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Water Safety
Drowning – from in-home bathtubs to recreation areas such as pools, lakes and the ocean – is a leading cause of injury-related death for children of all ages. Becoming more aware of water safety can help reduce the number of water-related incidents.
Never leave your child unattended around water.
The Facts
1-4 years old
Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children 1 to 4 years old.
1-19 years old
Drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in children 1 to 19 years old.
1-19 years old
64% of pediatric drownings occur at home or within 10 miles of the home.
88% of pediatric drownings in CT occur May-August
Over 50% of these incidents occur Friday through Sunday, especially during a holiday weekend such as Memorial Day & July 4th.
Different Ages = Different Risks
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Children under 1-year-old
are more likely to drown at home in the bathtub or in a bucket.
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Children aged 1 – 4
are more likely to drown in a residential or commercial pool than a natural body of water or a bathtub.
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Children aged 9 – 13
are more likely to drown in a natural body of water than in a pool or bathtub.
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Teens aged 14 – 17
are 6 times more likely to drown in natural bodies of water than in pools or bathtubs.
Never take your eyes off children when they are in the water.
Not even for a second!
Appoint a designated “Water Watcher”
a responsible adult who agrees to watch the child in the water without distractions. When there are several adults present, choose one to be responsible for watching children in or near the water for a certain period, such as 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, select another adult to be the watcher.
Teach children how to swim and basic water survival skills
such as treading water. Enroll children in swim lessons when they are ready.
Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills.
It is important to know how to respond in an emergency without putting yourself at risk of drowning. Learning these skills may help you save a life.