The statistics are frightening. Each year in the United States, 1,150
children (ages 14 and under) drown – more than half of these children are
preschoolers (ages 0-4). An estimated 5,000 children (ages 14 and under) are
hospitalized due to near-drownings, and of children surviving
near-drownings, 5-20 percent suffer severe and permanent disability.

Summer can be one of the most exciting and fun-filled times of the year, but
also one of the most dangerous. Two-thirds of yearly drowning accidents
happen between May and August so be prepared! In recognition of Drowning
Prevention and Awareness month, take a few moments to familiarize yourself
with what it takes to stay safe and have fun.

Common Myths About Drowning and Water Safety

Drowning isn’t really a problem, is it?
Yes. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death among children
ages one to four in California. A residential pool is 14 times more likely
to cause a death than an automobile.

Don’t more children die in open water than in pools?
No. More than 50 percent of deaths by drowning occur in residential pools.
Natural bodies of water comprise 19 percent. Public pools another 19
percent.

Isn’t it more important to have a locked gate to keep neighbors out?
No. Nearly 65 percent of the children were at their own home at the time of
the incident. Forty-six percent of the children were last seen safe inside
the house just before the drowning and 72 percent had direct access to the
pool once they were outside the home.

Isn’t it just parental neglect that causes drowning?
No. According to the U.S.CPSC Drowning Study, conscientious parents who
understand the need for supervision were almost always present.

Won’t swimming lessons protect a child from drowning?
No. Swimming lessons do not prepare a child for a drowning or near-drowning
situation.

Isn’t constant supervision enough to prevent drowning?
No. Experts recommend “layers” of protection which include a well-maintained
fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate and alarm systems, powered
safety pool covers, and self-closing, self-latching doors with automatic
sliding door closers.

Is there any proof that fences or safety barriers work? Can’t a child climb
over a fence?
Yes. In studies conducted in Australia and New Zealand, the findings suggest
that adequate, four-sided pool fencing reduced drownings by 80 percent while
studies in Arizona demonstrated a 50 percent reduction.

Do pool owners without young children need to install protective barriers?
Yes. Statistics show that 35 percent of residential drownings are not at the
home of the victim.