GHF&MO
Water Safety for Children with Special Needs
Childhood Drowning is Preventable.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children less than five years of age.
Approximately 1000 children, in the United States, under the age of 5 die each year due to drowning. In our state alone over 30 children drown each year and hundreds more are seriously injured due to submersion.
In Washington State, the leading site of drowning deaths in children under age five are:
- Pools
- Bathtubs
Other drowning risks include:
- Open water swimming areas
- Ponds
- Hot tubs
For toddlers, even five-gallon buckets and toilets can be a drowning hazard.
Young Children can drown in very small amounts of water. The United States consumer Product Safety Commissions has reports of more than 300 children who have drown in bathtubs, basins, showers, and jetted bathtubs in as little as two inches of water since 1973. More than 200 children have drowned in 5 gallon buckets since 1984.
With proper supervision and teaching children water safety behaviors, it is possible to impact this devastating problem and reduce the number of injuries and death related to drowning.
Remember: In this age group, supervision is the key to prevention. A child can drown in less time than it takes to answer the telephone. Irreversible brain damage occurs in three to five minutes. A child can drown in as little two to three inches of water.
NOTE: Information from a recent study shows that swimming lessons are beneficial in the under 5 age group.