NEWS RELEASE CONTACT: CHRISTINE MARGALIS (440) 350-2879
June 14, 2011 LAKE COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT
LAKE COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT
REMINDS YOU TO STAY SAFE AROUND WATER
As temperatures begin to climb, many of us look forward to visiting the pool or beach to cool off and escape from the summer heat. Unfortunately, that summer fun can also have dangerous consequences. Every day, about ten people in the United States die from unintentional drowning. Of these, 20% are children aged 14 and younger. Drowning is the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury for people of all ages, and the second leading cause of death for children ages one to 14 years (United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2011).
There are several factors that influence drowning risk. These include:
• Lack of Supervision and Barriers. Supervision by a lifeguard or designated adult is necessary to protect young children when they are in the water, but proper fencing around the pool is needed to protect children from entering without an adult’s awareness. Among children ages one to four years, most drownings occur in swimming pools on private property (Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1987).
• Natural Water Setting (such as lakes, rivers, or the ocean). The percentage of drownings in natural water settings increases with age. When a location is known, 65% of drownings among those 15 years and older occurred in natural settings (Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report, 2001-2002).
• Lack of Life Jacket Use in Recreational Vehicles. According to the United States Coast Guard, 72% boating fatalities that occurred during 2008 were caused by drowning with 90% of victims not wearing life jackets.
• Alcohol Use. Alcohol influences balance, coordination and judgment. Its effects are heightened by sun exposure and heat.
To help prevent water-related injuries, there are easy steps that can be taken.
• Supervision When in and Around the Water. Designate an adult to watch young children while in the bathtub or playing in or around the water. Supervisors of preschool children should provide “touch supervision,” being close enough to reach the child at all times.
• Buddy System. Always swim with another person.
• Proper Fencing Around Pool Areas. Pools should have a four-sided fence that is at least 4 feet high. Use self-closing and self-latching gates that open outward with latches out of reach of children.
• Seizure Disorder Safety. If you or a family member has a seizure disorder, provide one-on-one supervision around water.
• Learn to Swim. Participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children aged one to four years (Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, 2009).
• Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive, CPR can make the difference in saving someone’s life.
• Do Not Use Air-Filled or Foam Toys. Do not use “water wings” or “noodles” in place of life jackets. These products are not designed to prevent drowning.
• Avoid Alcohol.
With proper safety precautions, we can all enjoy the various pools and beaches Lake County has to offer. Have a safe and fun summer!
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