| Washington University School of Medicine |
Environmental Health & Safety |
Water Safety
Drowning claims the lives of over 4,000 people every year. Although all age groups are represented, children 0-4 have the highest death rate due to drowning. In 1998, 500 children under the age of five drowned. Most drowning and near-drowning happens when a child falls into a pool or is left alone in the bathtub. The National Safety Council encourages adults to establish and adhere to strict water safety rules:
Safety Tips
| Never leave a child alone near water -- at the pool, the beach or in the
tub -- a tragedy can occur in seconds. If you must leave, take your child
with you. |
| Always use approved personal floatation devices (life jackets.) The U.S.
Coast Guard estimates nearly 9 of 10 drowning victims were not wearing one. |
| Beware of neighborhood pools -- be it your own or your neighbors. Remove
toys from in and around the pool when not in use. Toys can attract children
to the pool. |
| For pools, barriers can offer added protection against drowning. Power or
manual covers will completely cover a pool and block access to the water,
however, be sure to drain any standing water from the surface of the pool
cover as a child can drown in very small amounts of water. |
| Enroll children over age three in swimming lessons taught by qualified
instructors. But keep in mind that lessons don't make your child
"drown-proof." |
| Older children risk drowning when they overestimate their swimming ability
or underestimate the water depth. |
| Teach your children these four key swimming rules: |
1. Always swim with a buddy.
2. Don't dive into unknown bodies of water. Jump feet first to avoid hitting your head on a shallow bottom.
3. Don't push or jump on others.
4. Be prepared for an emergency.
| Never consume alcohol when operating a boat. |
| Always have a first-aid kit and emergency phone contacts handy. Parents should be trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). |
Foodborne Illnesses http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OA/pubs/illpeaks.htm
Summer Safety
http://www.stfrancis-indy.org/summersafety1.htm
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