Drowning Statistics

Drowning statistics are up throughout the world. Water is dangerous and deadly if the right precautions are not taken.

It doesn't matter your age or skill, you can and must be safe around any body of water. The water has no conscience and holds no grudge. It will take you or a loved one if you're not careful so you must learn the facts about water safety and the danger of drowning in above ground or inground swimming pools.

Swimming is great for exercise, socialization, and relaxation, but knowing how to swim and prevent drowning is more important now than ever.

National Drowning Statistics

Hopefully these will open your eyes to the danger of water. This is not meant to scare you, but just a reminder of what can happen.

Places Where They Occur

70% of children who drown in residential pools had been:

1. Last seen inside their home
2. Less than 5 minutes
3. With one or both parents supervising

Where Do Most Drownings Take Place?

Children younger than 1 year drown in:

1. Bathtubs. Yes, giving your young-ones a bath is good, but drowning statistics show that a child left unattended in a bathtub has a higher rate of drowning.
2. Toilets. There are many toilet locks parents can buy to keep their children safe.
3. Buckets. Regular or 5-gallon buckets would spell disaster. Keep the lid securely on the bucket and out of reach.

Children ages 1 to 4 are most likely to drown in residential swimming pools.

Drowning statistics show that children 15 years and older normally drown in lakes, rivers, and the ocean.

Even in small swimming pool and kiddie pools children can easily drown.

Notice anything about this picture?

This is an actual picture of a one-time customer's pool. He called me to clear it up for him. I found out he had 4 children and 2 of them were under the age of four years old.

Other than the swimming pool being green, think about what's wrong. Email me when you discover the problem.

So What Can You Do?

These are easy steps any responsible adult can take:

1. Teach child water safety to your kids and respect for the water water

You children should have fun in the water, but remind them that they cannot breathe under water and any attempt would prove very dangerous.

2. Know that swimming safety is a must

Younger children (toddlers) should be taught general swimming safety rules and to never enter a pool area without adult supervision.

Older kids should be taught respect for others and that horse-play can be dangerous and will not be tolerated.

3. Inflatable toys are not lifesaving devices

Understand that items like water-wings can give a child a false sense of security and that they can pop or deflate.

4. Always have adult supervision

According to the experts, most children drown when one or both parents were supervising the children. It's not good enough to just "be there", you must be engaged when your child is swimming. Stay off the phone and put the book down. Don't allow your child to become another drowning statistic.

Also, designate one adult to watch over the children. And keep the alcohol down to a minimum. Better yet, cut it out all together when swimming.

5. Layers of protection

Invest in a good child safety pool fence and swimming pool alarm. A good safety pool fence is your best bet, along side good adult supervision. Remove toys and above ground ladders when not in use.

6. Never allow your children to play on your safety pool cover.
7. Remember the buddy system? Let's use it.

Swimming with a partner is the responsible way to go.

8. Learn CPR

By learning CPR you can give a potential victim a better chance at survival.

By understanding the danger of water and seeing these drowning statistics, you'll be better prepared the next time you say to your family those wonderful words, "Let's go swimming".

Have fun and all those who go swimming will come back from swimming.

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