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ABOUT DROWNING
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In the State of Florida,
drowning is the second leading cause of death in and around the
home for children under the age of 5.
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It only takes 3 seconds
for a child to drown
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It takes less than 2
minutes for death and brain damage to occur in children or babies.
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2/3
of all drowning accidents occur in the months of May and August.
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40% of all drowning
accidents occur on Saturday and Sundays.
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A swimming pool is 14
times more likely than an automobile accident to be involved in
the death of a child under the age of 4.
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77% of swimming pool
accidental drowning victims had been missing for 5 minutes or less
when they were found.
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Nearly 50% of children
that drown were last seen in the house before the pool accident
occurred. An additional 23% were last seen on the porch or
patio, or in the yard.
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Of preschoolers that
drown, 70% are in the care of one or both parents at the time of
the accident. 65% occur in the child's own home pool, and
33% occur in the pool of a close friend, neighbor or relative.
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Of children that survive
near drowning accidents, 5 - 20% suffer severe and permanent disability.
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Alcohol is believed
to be a major contributor of drowning accidents in lakes, rivers,
and oceans.
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Snorkeling and SCUBA
diving have the potential to be dangerous, but only a small number
of drowning incidents actually occur during these activities.
Drowning Prevention
- There is no substitute
for adult supervision. Safeguards and pool barriers around
pools and hot tubs provide additional protection for children.
- NEVER leave
a child unsupervised in or near any body of water, not even for a
moment.
- Keep toys, tricycles, bikes, and other
play items away from the pool or spa area.
- NEVER consider
your child "drown proof", even after swimming lessons.
Swimming lessons are no substitute for supervision.
- Don't rely on "water wings"
or other child floatation devices to keep your child safe. Even
with these floatation devices, adult supervision is needed.
- A pool side telephone is essential for
a safe pool area. Many drowning accidents occur when a caretaker
leaves the pool to answer the telephone. Install an outside
telephone or use a cordless or cellular telephone.
- Teach family members and caretakers
how to contact local emergency services. Post CPR, safety instructions,
and the 9-1-1 emergency number in an easy to see place.
- Learn CPR, first aid, and other life
saving practices for adults and children.
Community Education
The Plantation Fire Department
offers Community CPR. This class is offered free of charge the first
Wednesday of the month at Fire Station #2 (Fire Administration Headquarters).
Fore more information on this class or any other classes, please call
us at (954) 797-2150.
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