Securyploof, Kids drowning

The statistics

42% of all private pool drownings were of children between the ages of 0-12.
26% of all bathtub drownings were of children between the ages of 0-12.
51% of all drowning victims were not being supervised. Of these victims, 82% were children between the ages of 0-12.
30% of all victims drowned when there was a momentary absence of supervision. Of these victims, 94% were children between the ages of 0-12.

These drowning statistics are based on Lifesaving Society research from the past ten years.

Do you know where your children are ?

If you’re not within arms reach of your child, you’ve gone too far !

Most Drownings are preventable.

Almost 500 Canadians drown each year, with children under 10 being the second leading cause of preventable death. Drownings involving children are avoidable if caregivers take precautions.

Drowning is a silent killer and can happen in seconds.

Drowning victims rarely call or wave for help because it takes everything they have just to get a breath of air. Drowning can take as little as 10 seconds and occurs in bathtubs, wading pools, wells, even buckets.

Most toddlers drown in backyard pools.

Their natural curiosity of water means children have a high risk of drowning anytime they are near water. Don’t be distracted by a ringing phone, a doorbell or another child !

To prevent a drowning

Make sure everyone meets the Swim to Survive standard.

Roll into deep water, Tread Water one min, and Swim 50 m.

Designate a backyard pool lifeguard.

An adult should always supervise children who are using a pool. If you must leave for even a moment, pick another adult to replace you or close the pool.

Restrict access to water- Lock it up.

Backyard pools need to be surrounded on all sides by a 1.8m tall fence, with a self-closing and self-latching locked gate. Drain bathtubs, empty unattended wading pools, AND buckets of water.

Keep safety equipment around the pool.

This includes a cordless phone, reaching pole, ring buoy or other floating objects that are easily held. Put lifejackets on children at all times!

Be vigilant and stay tub-side.

Many children who drown do so because caregivers lose sight of them, or become distracted. All it takes is “just a moment”. Stay until all the water is drained and you have removed your children from the tub.

Source :
Life saving society

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