Swim Safe part 2

Epidemiology Corner

Date goes hereJuly 2, 2004

Swim Safe part 2: The Heat Is On

As the temperature goes up, the lure of the water becomes very enticing. Swimming can be fun if water safety precautions are followed. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) lists drowning as the seventh leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths for all ages and the second leading cause of all injury-related deaths in children 1-14 years old. Water injuries can occur in recreational pools, spas, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, oceans and even bathtubs. Small children are at highest risk for drowning. Most infants drown in bathtubs, toilets or even household buckets. Drowning among children ages 1-4 years frequently occur in residential swimming pools.

In addition to children, males and African Americans are considered to be at high risk for drowning. National statistics available from the CDC show that males had a drowning rate of five times that of females. African Americans had an age-adjusted drowning rate that was 1.4 times higher than for whites.

Over half of all fatal drowning occurs between June and August. Drowning is not just associated with swimming. In 2002, 70 percent of all boating fatalities were attributed to drowning. Alcohol can also play a major role in drowning. It is estimated that alcohol use is involved in 25 percent to 50 percent of all adolescent and adult recreational water-related deaths.

The best way to prevent drowning in children is through close adult supervision whether it is bath time or play time. At home, the use of enclosed fencing around a pool as well as pool covers that are able to bear weight can prevent accidental entry into the water. Locks and or alarms on the fence or pool cover can also reduce the risk of accidental drowning.

Here are a few water-related injury prevention tips for swimmers and boaters of all ages:

Any one who spends time around bodies of water should have swimming instructions and/or water safety training including CPR.
Alcohol should never be consumed before or during boating or swimming.
Whenever possible, swim in locations that have lifeguards present.
Only swim in areas that are designated for swimming at rivers, lakes, beaches or other natural bodies of water.
Keep Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices near residential pools and boats at all times.

Summer’s here! Swim safely and have fun!

For more information on preventing water-related injuries visit the CDC website at

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5321a1.htm or

http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/drown.htm