Drowning: 2nd leading cause of childrens death
Adriane Lauren Luna
Kids just love swimming. Whether in the bathtub, the lake, the beach or the pool, you always see children laughing and playing in the water.
Water can be fun but it can be dangerous too.
Studies show that the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death in children between 2 to 14 years old is drowning. Every year, 1,000 children die of the said cause, 1/3 of such arise from swimming pool accidents.
This numbers can be alarming. In fact, it takes only 5 minutes or less and a water level of below 2 inches for a kid to drown.
Most of the drowning incidents among ages one and below occur in home bathtubs. For ages between 1 to 4 years, drowning commonly happens in private pools, while kids between 5 to 14 years old often drown in open water sites.
Most of these incidents occur because of the following reasons:
1. Absence of or minor adult supervision
Most of the parents mingle and talk to one another while their kids play and swim in the pool. The next thing they know, their kids are already missing or drowning. It is not enough that the parents just stay there beside the pool. They have to give their children their full attention in order to prevent them from getting hurt.
The best thing to do is accompany them and swim with them.
2. Negligence of the pool owners or caretakers to maintain the facility
Many owners pay no attention to the maintenance of their pools. They let their children swim without even noticing that the drain is busted which can cause drain entrapment or the pump is damaged which can cause electrocution.
3. Defective or non-installation of safety nets, gates or fences
Always enclose the premises. You will never know when accidents may occur. Also, provide water level marks on the side of the pool.
Other causes of pool accidents include:
1. Manufacturing or design defects of spas hot tubs, pools and other facilities;
2. Lack of or inadequate training of lifeguard; and
3. Floating swimming devices.
How to prevent pool-related injuries:
1. Guard your children parents have the number one responsibility of watching over their kids, especially when they are in the water. If you lose sight of your child, check the water first. Remember, every second counts! It takes only minutes for a child to drown or to get hurt.
2. Maintain the facilities always check if the pool is in good condition. Sharp edges, broken pumps and smashed tiles can be other causes of water-related injuries. Also ;
3. Clean the amenities unclear water, slippery floors, among others can also hurt someone. Always make sure that the water and the facilities are clean.
4. Install gates and fences always enclose your pool or open water sites in order to prevent other people, especially children to enter the premises without supervision and authority. If you will not be using your pool, install a net in order to prevent others from falling in on the water.
5. Learn CPR - It takes a while before the paramedics arrive. It is better if you know how to apply precautionary measures in case water-related incidents occur.
6. Drowning Injury Claims Lawyer if you or a loved one had been involved with a drowning injury, consult your claim with a lawyer. Lawyers with the necessary knowledge and expertise on drowning injury claims can assist you in the best legally possible way.
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