Water Safety

Drowning Facts

According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for infants and young children between the ages of 1-4.

Louisiana experienced a 60% increase in the number of infant and child drownings (ages 0-14), from 15 in 2019 to 24 in 2020.

In previous years, Louisiana had the fourth highest drowning rate for children 1-14 years in the United States, and drowning remains the third leading cause of death for Louisiana children in this age group.

We HAVE to take action and start conversations on the impact of infant and child drownings, beginning with prevention and awareness. ALL YEAR LONG it is important for parents and families to know about precautions they can take to prevent child drownings.

Children can drown in as little as 1 INCH of water.

Layers of Protection

We encourage everyone to become familiar with these drowning prevention tips and layers of protection to stay safe around water YEAR ROUND!

Constant Supervision

Keep your child within arms reach and ALWAYS search the water first! Assign a Water Watcher to monitor swimmers.

Swim Lessons

Don't delay in your child learning swim skills, starting with self-rescue at 6 months old.

Add Alarms & Locks

Install pool/door alarms & locks on ALL doors.

Fences

Install 4-6 foot pool fences with self-latching & self-closing gates.

Remove Temptation

Remove all pool toys when not in use.

Coast Guard Approved Life Vests

This especially applies to open water and NO puddle jumpers. They put children in the vertical, drowning position.

Wear Bright, Stay in Sight

When shopping for swimwear, remember to avoid darker colors and shade of blue that blend in with the water.

More Water Safety Tips

1. Children can drown in as little as 1 INCH of water. Actively supervise children in and around water (toilets, bathtubs, fountains, pools, ponds, etc...), inside and outside of your home. When you go anywhere such as a park with a pond, the beach or lake, know that children will be drawn to water.

AVOID DISTRACTIONS OF ANY KIND.

2. Once bath time is over, immediately drain the tub. Keep toilet lids closed and doors to bathrooms closed.

3. Pick up toys in the pool or around when finished playing.

4. When shopping for swimsuits, look for bright color options, avoiding darker shades, especially blue.

OPEN WATER SAFETY TIPS:

https://www.safekids.org/checklist/open-water-safety-checklist

Water Safety for Kids

WHAT EVERY PARENT
NEEDS TO READ

Drowning is the #1 cause of death in children ages 1-4.

Drowning is the #2 cause of death for ages 5-14.

69% of drowning happens when children aren’t even expected to be swimming, yet they slip away.

A toddler can drown in 30 seconds.

For each drowning death, FIVE TIMES as many children are hospitalized, many with permanent brain injuries.

Drowning peaks again for teenagers, usually in natural water and happens to ‘strong swimmers.’