Mechanicsburg, Pa. – Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1-19 and on average, about 1,000 children die each year due to unintentional drowning. Whether you’re headed to the pool or beach this summer, the American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division (ATSPA) wants to ensure your children are safe.
ATSPA CEO, Krista Brands stated, “Studies show that 90 percent of caregivers supervise their children, but also admit that they engage in other distracting activities at the same time. At ATSPA, we want to continue to inform the public on the importance of giving children complete attention while in the water. Even near-drowning incidents can have lifelong consequences.”
The ATSPA recommends the following to be safe in and around the water:
1. Never swim alone. Ensure that children know not to swim alone and that the buddy system is used. Swimming in numbers dramatically reduces the risk of injury and drowning.
2. Actively supervise children. Give children your undivided attention and keep them in your direct field of vision at all times.
3. Teach children how to swim. Sign children up for swimming lessons to ensure they can swim confidently.
4. Learn CPR. Be prepared for emergencies by knowing CPR.
5. Avoid the water during bad weather. If you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter.
For more information on water safety, contact the ATSPA at 717-766-1616.
The American Trauma Society, PA Division (ATSPA) is a non-profit trauma prevention education organization dedicated to reducing suffering, disability and death due to trauma. The ATSPA strives to help all Pennsylvanians survive and lead healthier lives through its trauma prevention education programs. For information, call 717-766-1616 and visit www.atspa.org.
