Dell Children's Reports Alarming Increase in Drowning Incidents June 13, 2008

Dell Childrens Medical Center of Central Texas shows a sharp increase in child drowning incidents entering the summer of 2008, as compared to 2007. From May 1 to June 10, 2007, the pediatric emergency department treated only 3 children for near-drowning incidents. In the same period in 2008, Dell Childrens has treated 13 patients. Two of these children died as a result. The 16 incidents occurred in swimming pools, hot tubs or a lake or creek.

"We are surprised by the number of drowning and near-drowning incidents weve seen so early in the season," says Pat Crocker, D.O., Medical Director of the Emergency Department at Dell Childrens The numbers are alarming."

Dr. Crocker believes last summers cooler temperatures and rain may have played a role in explaining the numbers. He reminds parents that close supervision is the absolute best prevention for drowning. According to Dr. Crocker, proper supervision around water is 'touch supervision,' meaning a parent is close enough to reach out to their child at all times. Parents also should avoid distractions such as talking on cell phones or reading, and avoid using alcohol while supervising their children around water. At parties, says Dr. Crocker, hosts should assign parents to take turns watching the water never assume that someone else is taking care of it.

Dell Children's Data

From May 1 to June 10, 2007, the pediatric emergency department treated only three children for near-drowning incidents.
In the same period in 2008, Dell Childrens has treated 13 patients and two died.
So far in 2008, most of the incidents have occurred in public or apartment complex swimming pools.
Ten occurred in community or apartment complex pools; one at a private home; and two in a lake or creek

National Data

Nationwide, drowning is the second leading cause of injury-related death for children between the ages of 1 and 4 (CDC).
Many children who survive a near-drowning live with a brain injury caused by lack of oxygen. These injuries often require long-term care and keep the child from living an independent life.
1-4 year olds are especially at risk for drowning in pools and hot tubs. Their poor balance and natural curiosity puts them at increased risk around water.
In Texas, nearly 300 people drown every year.

Frequently Asked Questions

GoodHealth.com recently published information on water safety. Dell Children's Trauma Department Injury Prevention Program compiled a list of frequently asked questions and answers to assist Central Texas parents.

How much time does it take to drown?

In the time it takes to...

Cross a room for a towel (10 sec), a child can become submerged
Answer the phone (2 min), a child will loose consciousness
Sign for a package at the front door (4-6 min), a child submerged in a tub or pool will sustain permanent brain damage or die

How much water does it take to drown?

Inches of water in a bathtub
A bucket of water
Standing water on top of a pool or spa cover
Any amount of water that covers the mouth & nose

Do people always yell for help?

Most children do not yell for help.
Non-swimmers or exhausted swimmers are unable to call for help .
Drowning victims may be struggling under the water.

What is a near drowning?

Near drowning is survival after submersion in fluid.
For each child that drowns, it is estimated that 4 children are hospitalized for near-drowning.
Nationwide, 2700 children ages 14 & under were treated in hospital emergency rooms for unintentional drowning-related incidents.
As many as 20% of near drowning survivors suffer severe permanent neurological disability.
Nearly all who require CPR die or are left with severe brain injury.

Where are most kids in danger of drowning?

Home Pools/Spas/Ponds
Inside Homes (Tubs, toilets, buckets of water)
Natural Bodies of Water
Boating & Personal Water Craft

Are pools dangerous?

More than half of drownings among children ages 1-4 are pool related.
More than half of these drownings occur in the childs home pool.
Most children were last seen in the home and had missing from sight for less than 5 minutes.

What are the dangers inside the home?

More than half of drowning among infants under age 1 occur in bathtubs.
Nationwide between 1996-1999, 459 Children Under 5 years old drowned in the home
- 292 in Bathtubs
- 28 in 5-Gallon Bucket
- 55 in Spas & Hot Tubs
- 16 in Toilets
- 38 in Other Products

What are the dangers while boating?

Most boating accidents are caused by the operator.
Drownings usually occur when boaters unexpectedly end up in the water.
Most drownings happen to people in boats who dont wear personal flotation devices.
Alcohol use is a contributing factor in nearly 50% of adolescent drowning.

(Center for Disease Control)

Are personal watercraft (a.k.a., Jet Skis) dangerous?

In 2002, more than 189 children ages 14 and under sustained personal water craft related injuries in the US.
Fatality rates for PWC accidents far exceed those for motor boats.
- 361 fatalities: 8 million boats (1 in 22,000)
- 68 fatalities: 500,000 PWCs (1 in 7300)
(U.S. Coast Guard)

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