Even though summer is coming to a close and pool use and beach days are dwindling, drowning is still a very real concern for young children, warns the Consumer Product Safety Commission in a recent article. Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death among children ages 1 to 4.
From 2005 to 2009, there were 431 fatalities from home-related water submersion incidents. 212 injuries were reported. Most victims are under the age of two and involved a lack of supervision.
Bathtubs, bath seats, landscaping features, buckets and other containers can all be dangerous for young children if they are left unattended. A CPSC Chairman advises, “Young children can drown in just a few inches of water. I urge parents and caregiver to constantly supervise young children…There are simple steps that every family can take to prevent drowning in the home.”
CPSC’s drowning prevention safety tips include:
- Do not leave young children unsupervised around water, even a small amount.
- Remain within arm’s reach of your child when he or she is in the bathtub. If you have to leave, take the child with you.
- Another young child is not qualified to supervise other children.
- Buckets even with small amounts of water should not be left unattended. Because young children are top heavy and unsure on their feet, they can fall into the bucket.
- Do not leave buckets outside where they can collect rainwater.
- Toilet seats can also be dangerous for mobile toddlers. Consider temporary locks for your seats.
- Make sure the bath toys you provide your child with are safe for their use by keeping up with product recalls.
- Learn CPR, both for infants and adults.
As a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer, consumer safety is my number one priority. Please remember these tips if you have small children in your home. In my experience as a personal injury lawyer, I’ve seen how prevention can be crucial in avoiding devastating tragedy.