Lowering the Risk for Drowning

In the South Africa, drowning ranks second among the causes of death from unintentional injury in children ages 1- 14years, after car accidents. And, even when a drowning incident does not result in death, it can result in significant long-term disability.

 

Drowning happens quickly and suddenly. Lowering the risk for drowning requires following general principles of water safety and establishing layers of protection Having layers of protection in place provides “backup” if one protective strategy fails, reducing overall risk.

 

The American Red Cross has established five layers of protection for lowering the risk for drowning:

• Learn swimming and water safety survival skills.
• Swim in lifeguarded areas.
• Have children, inexperienced swimmers and boaters wear approved life jackets.
• Provide close and constant supervision to children who are in or near the water.
• Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers to prevent unsupervised access.

 

Children between the ages of 1 and 4 years have the highest rate for drowning. Most of these incidents occur in home swimming pools, but any source of water, including a bathtub or partially filled bucket, is a potential drowning hazard. An infant can drown in as little as 1 inch of water.