The world is 71% water. Are your children 100% prepared?
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The Most Dangerous Locations Vary By Age
Children younger than one year old are more likely to drown at home. For children younger than five, 87% of drowning fatalities happen in home pools or tubs. Most take place in pools owned by family, friends or relatives. After pools, bathtubs are the second leading location where young children drown. However, buckets, bath seats, wells, decorative ponds and toilets are also potential drowning sources for infants and toddlers. Those 5 to 17 years old are more likely to drown in natural water, such as ponds or lakes.
To ensure safety around water:
- Know that any depth of water is dangerous
- Place barriers around water
- Always designate or be a water watcher – be diligent!
- Remember drowning is quiet and quick
- Learn water rescue skills and CPR
- Take formal swim lessons
Help Keep Your Children Safe
Drowning can happen nearly anywhere with standing water. But, as a parent or caregiver, you can’t keep your children sidelined. You need to equip them with the tools they need to be confident in and around water, so they don’t lose out on the health benefits of exercise, the opportunities to bond with family and friends and the sense of accomplishment when they learn new skills. Teaching children how to be safe around water is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The YMCA can help you make sure your children learn essential water safety skills, which can open up a world of possibilities for them to satisfy their curiosity safely.
