Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4--and responsible for the deaths of three children every day, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Young children can drown quickly in as little as 1 inch of water, which means that bath tubs and wading pools can still pose a danger to your toddler. Parents can play a key role in preventing their toddler from drowning by learning CPR and providing careful supervision.
Significance
While the American Academy of Pediatrics once recommended against swimming lessons for children ages 1 to 3, its new guidelines suggest that toddler swimming lessons, along with pool barriers, life jackets and constant, consistent supervision can help provide the “layers of protection” that can help keep your toddler safe from drowning.
Considerations
Inflatable vests, arm “floaties” and swim rings can give parents and toddlers a false sense of security while in the water and do not offer effective protection from drowning. Always stay within an arm’s reach of your toddler while she is in the water, regardless of her swimming experience or skills. If you take your toddler on a boat or fishing, make sure he wears a U.S. Coastguard-approved life jacket or a personal flotation device even if he knows how to swim.
Prevention/Solution
When you are unable to supervise your toddler, keeping her away from areas with water is your best defense against accidents. Fence-off a pool or hot tub with a four-sided fence and keep your bathroom doors closed when the rooms are not in use. Never leave her unattended in the bath, and do not rely on older siblings to supervise her while she bathes. Always empty buckets, wading pools and other water-filled containers promptly. Never leave them sitting in the yard where children can inadvertently fall into them and drown.
Warning
Even if your toddler learns to swim well, his advanced swimming skills will not “drown proof” him. Nor are they an alternative to proper supervision. Even a toddler with solid swimming skills can become tired and unable to reach the side of a pool--or bump his head against the wall and lose consciousness. Dr. Jeffrey Weiss, the lead author of the AAP’s 2010 policy statement on drowning prevention, stresses that parents need to be constantly vigilant of their toddler while in the water, since even a momentary lapse can lead to problems.
Potential
Accidents can occur, even with the most careful preparation and supervision. Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, so that you will be prepared if an emergency drowning situation occurs. The CDC asserts that CPR can help a child stay alive after a drowning incident, often with little or no brain damage.
