Drowning can happen to any family. It’s quick, and it’s silent. Drowning is the single-leading cause of death among children aged 1-4, and a top cause of death among teens. We can lower these rates if pediatricians, parents and policy-makers work together to implement the types of solutions we know will keep children safe. Please share these resources with parents and caregivers. Source: American Academy of Pediatrics https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/campaigns/drowning-prevention/Pages/default.aspx
The American Academy of Pediatrics (APA) recommends swim lessons as a layer of protection against drowning that can begin for many children starting at age 1. In late May the APA issued a special news release addressing the potential risks for increased drownings as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic with parents and caregivers being distracted with work and other responsibilities. A full copy of that news release can be found here: https://services.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2020/while-staying-at-home-during-covid-19-childrens-drowning-risk-may-increase/
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that parents and caregivers fence of their pool, learn life saving skills of Infant and Child CPR, be on the lookout always when children are swimming and avoid reading, screen time, socializing while kids are swimming, and alcoholic beverages, and strongly suggest making life jackets a must. For additional information on drowning prevention visit: https://www.cdc.gov/safechild/drowning/index.html
Source: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/swim-lessons.aspx
Pool Safety Infographic:
https://downloads.aap.org/DOPA/Drowning-Prevention/pool_safety_english.pdf
https://downloads.aap.org/DOPA/Drowning-Prevention/pool_safety_spanish.pdf
Water Safety Tips for Teens:
https://downloads.aap.org/DOPA/Drowning-Prevention/water_safety_for_teens_english.pdf
https://downloads.aap.org/DOPA/Drowning-Prevention/water_safety_for_teens_spanish.pdf
American Academy of Pediatrics Pool and Safety Tips:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8u7CVeaSB8
Bode and Morgan Miller Urge Parents to Make Water Safety a Priority
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HJgw5HCMJg
American Academy of Pediatrics Beach, Boating and Lake Swim Safety Tips
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9KE76tKEnM
This post was brought to you by:
Melissa C Schroeder
Youth and Family Program Director
mcs35@cornell.edu
