Water Safety Month – Tips to Prevent Drowning
Summer is almost here, and the warm weather beckons us to the sparkling waters of backyard pools, rivers, lakes, and the ocean.
However, enjoying water activities is not without its dangers. According to CDC statistics,
- 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings not related to boating accidents occur every year in the U.S. That’s approximately ten drowning deaths per day
- Boating-related accidents result in an average of 332 people drowning every year
- Children aged 14 and younger account for 1 in 5 drowning deaths
- For every child drowning death, another five require ER treatment for non-fatal submersion injuries
- Most drownings and near-drownings take place during late spring and the summer months (May-August)
Non-fatal drowning injuries can result in severe and permanent brain damage causing long-term disabilities ranging from learning disabilities and memory problems to a lasting loss of basic functioning (vegetative state).
High-Risk Areas
Drownings can happen to anyone regardless of age or swimming skills. Many times, a drowning incident doesn’t look like what we would expect. Most drownings are silent and fast, happening in as little as 20-60 seconds.
Bathrooms: Most infants under the age of one drown in bathtubs. A few will also suffer a drowning accident in toilets and buckets.
Pools: 21.3% of drowning accidents happen in family pools or those from friends, neighbors, and relatives.
Lakes: 25.9% of drowning deaths occur in lakes
Rivers: 27.2% of accidental drownings happen in rivers
Oceans: The lowest percentage of drowning deaths (10.4%) occur in oceans
You Can Help Save A Life – Drowning Prevention Tips
Texas is in the top three states with the most drownings alongside Florida and California. Being vigilant and knowing how to prevent an accident is key to lower the amount of drowning incidents in our communities.
Never Leave Young Children Alone in the Bath
Infants and small children need constant supervision when they are around any body of water, including bathtubs, toilets, and buckets.
When bathing your kids, always stay focus, avoid distractions from phones, television, work, or other people.
Learn or Improve Your Swimming Skills
Knowing how to swim is no guarantee you won’t be a drowning accident victim, but it can significantly lower the risk.
If you have a pool in your house, make sure to book some swimming lessons for your children.
Supervise When in or Around Water
Designate a responsible adult to supervise children near pools, rivers, lakes, and the ocean. If you are watching small children, make sure to “touch supervision” modality, which means having children within arm’s reach.
Children are not the only ones who benefit from supervision; keeping a watchful eye for friends and family can also save lives.
Don’t Go Swimming by Yourself
Always swim with a buddy. If you are swimming in open waters, make sure to choose a site where lifeguards are on duty.
Fence it Off and Put Toys Away
If you have a pool in your backyard, install a safety fence to prevent children from accidentally falling in.
Never leave pool toys and floating devices in or around the pool area. Children may see them and want to play with them, which could lead to accidental drowning.
Wear a Lifejacket
Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while boating or tubing. Lifejackets are crucial garments regardless of how far you are traveling, the size of the boat, the water conditions, or the swimming ability of boaters.
Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Drownings are time-sensitive emergencies. By the time paramedics arrive at the scene, your CPR skills could save someone’s life.
When to Come to Prestige ER
Drowning accidents are similar to car crashes. Even if there is no visible trauma, patients need medical attention.
Patients revived with first aid could still be in grave danger as signs and symptoms of complications from drowning could take hours or even days to develop.
Non-fatal drowning victims can develop infections that, without proper medical care, could lead to death.
At Prestige ER, we are equipped to handle all types of medical emergencies, including drownings. Our team of highly trained professionals is ready to treat patients at either of our two convenient locations in Plano and Mesquite, and our guaranteed minimal wait times can help save the life of our loved one.
HealthCare.gov recommends that in case of an emergency, you head straight to the closest ER.
You DO NOT need to get prior approval from your health insurance company.
They will cover expenses barring whatever your deductible and coinsurance/copayments are for emergency treatments.
Prestige ER is open and ready to care for you during an emergency in which your health is significantly jeopardized 24/7, we work with all major insurance companies and our Patient Advocate team is available to help you understand your coverage and rights. We will guide and fight for you every step of the way. For more information regarding your rights as a patient, view our Insurance Information.
Know Where to Go in the Event of an Emergency
Prestige ER is Your #1 Choice During an Emergency.
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Prestige ER is honored to serve the residents and those passing through Plano and surrounding cities like Frisco and Allen.
Part of caring for your health is to know where to go in case of an emergency. Please keep in mind that Prestige ER is Open 24/7 every day of the year, if you need us, we are here for you.
We are available 24/7 because an accident can happen at any time. Do not risk your health! Get help from the ER experts when you need it, visit us immediately on .
#1 Medical Emergency Care in Plano, Near Frisco and Allen
Find the ER Specialists at prestigeer.org, We provide the Best 24 HR. Emergency Medical Services in Plano. Don’t Wait in Line for ER Care! Don’t forget that WE STAY OPEN 24/7.
Get back on track to enjoying life, FAST! Experienced, Effective and Caring Emergency Physicians team up with the best On-Site ER care for everything from Minor to Major Injuries and Conditions.
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