Drowning Is Leading Cause of Unintentional Death for Children

Studies conducted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission show that drowning remains the leading cause of unintentional death for children between the ages of one and four. As pool use increases during the summer months, statistics for fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents also increase.

New statistics show that seventy-five percent of fatal drownings occur in residential pools. Approximately 5,400 non-fatal drowning emergency room incidents were reported in 2012 through 2014, an increase from an estimated 4,900 from 2011 through 2013.

While pools can bring relief from the summer heat, they can also present dangers to children that could result in unexpected tragedies. Here are some summer pool fun safety tips to help reduce the risk of pool-related injuries and drownings:

1. Always watch children around bodies of water – sixty-four percent of children between the ages of one and three experienced non-fatal drownings and sixty-five percent of children in the same age group represent fatal drownings
2. Make sure residential pools have barriers to keep children from accidentally falling in
3. Have a Water Watcher to supervise children in the pool – never leave children unattended even for a moment
4. Learn CPR
5. Double-check pool drain covers
6. Keep children away from pool pipes and drains to avoid entrapment hazards

If you or a loved one sustained serious injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation to help cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. For more information about how Burnetti, P.A.’s personal injury attorneys may be able to help fill out a free case evaluation form or call (888) 444-8508.