Children and Drowing

All children are at risk for drowning, but young children under five years of age are at special risk because:

•They are attracted to water but cannot understand the danger

•They can walk but they cannot swim

•Their lungs are smaller than adults' and fill quickly with water

•They can drown in as little as 2.5 centimetres (one inch) of water

Children five to 14 years of age

•Older children are at risk because they may overestimate their own skills, underestimate the depth of the water or strength of the current, or respond to a dare from a friend.

•Physical strength develops throughout childhood. Even a good swimmer can get into trouble, especially in unfamiliar water or environments.

TIPS TO PREVENT DROWNING

-Fence it in.

-Install alarms.

-Block pool and hot tub access.

-Teach children to swim.

-Remove toys. Don’t leave pool toys in the water. A child may fall into the water while trying to retrieve a toy.

-Keep your eyes peeled. Never leave children unsupervised near a pool or hot tub.

-Beware of drains.

-Keep emergency equipment handy. Store a safety ring with a rope beside the pool. Make sure you always have a phone in the pool area.