Every year there are reports of children that do not make the journey home after summer camp. The majority of deaths are from drowning, which should not be a surprise. According to the Center for Disease Control, drowning is the 2nd largest killer of children ages 1-14, averaging 2 deaths per day for children in this age group. Summer camps often include swimming activities, which always can have a risk of drowning. Children dying at summer camp June 15, 2012, a four-year old boy drowns in a swimming pool while at a summer camp outing in Glenview, IL. There were 15 lifeguards on duty and 8 camp counselors with the group of 19 children. July 20, 2011, a 15-year old boy drowns while participating in a lake swim at a summer camp near Decatur, MI. The boys were swimming well after dark in a poor lit area. June 18, 2011,… Continue Reading
Category Archives: Swimming Pool Drownings
Subscribe to Swimming Pool Drownings RSS FeedHow To Protect Guests From Drowning In Your Swimming Pool
Posted in Swimming Pool DrowningsHaving a swimming pool at your home is a great way to relax and exercise right in your backyard. It may even be one of the main reasons you bought that particular home in the first place. Unfortunately, swimming pools can be hazardous without the proper precautions, especially to your visiting guests. Kids are the most likely drowning victims Although you and your family may be well educated in pool safety, many others are not. Deaths by drowning, especially in children, happen much too often, an average of 10 per day in the U.S. A child under the age of four is 14 times more likely to die from drowning than to be killed in a car accident. These are scary statistics but even more tragically, many of these deaths could have been prevented. A cautionary and tragic tale of a swimming pool drowning just came out of Arizona. A… Continue Reading
Child’s Death At Day Care Demonstrates Need For Tighter Regulations
Posted in Day Care Accidents, Swimming Pool DrowningsTragedy has stunned a Chicagoland community after a two-year-old girl at a home-based day care drowned when she managed to gain access to a swimming pool at the home. The child was one of 10 children (7 children from outside the home and 3 of her own) the caregiver was looking after at her home in Aurora, IL. Just months ago, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) conducted an allegation of neglect at the same operation, and while the neglect allegation was not substantiated— the owner of the facility was cited for for operating an unlicensed day care facility. DCFS officials have confirmed that the owner of the day care did apply for a license in June, but the application had not been reviewed and no license was granted at the time of this incident. Licensing of Day Care Facilities In Illinois Most states have licensing… Continue Reading
Boating Safety: Prevention Of Childhood Injuries While Boating, Tubing & Swimming
Posted in Boating Accidents, Swimming Pool DrowningsBoating, tubing, and other water sports and activities can provide fun and enjoyment for families when the weather is warm. However, these pleasurable activities can also be dangerous for young children, resulting in injury or even death. Statistics from the U.S. Coast Guard, injuries and property damages related to boating accidents can not be ignored: In 2009, there were 4,370 boating accidents causing 3,358 injuries and 736 deaths and $36 million in damages to property. 86% of boating accident deaths involved boat operator did not have any boat safety instruction or course. Nearly 75% of all boating fatalities were caused by drowning, and 84% were not wearing a life jacket. Children under 13 years old accounted for 18 boating deaths in 2009. Half of the children who died in 2009 died by drowning, and only 44% were wearing life jackets even though they are required to wear them. … Continue Reading
As The Swimming Pool Season Winds Down, We Must Remain Dilligent Supervising Children
Posted in Summer Camp Accidents, Swimming Pool DrowningsAs a life-long swimmer (age-group, high school, college and masters), the sight of a swimming pool has been a calming source in my life– both from an athletic and recreational point of view. Perhaps because swimming has been such an important part of my life, I was really moved by some of the news stories regarding the increased dangers facing minorities around swimming pools. Drowning risk for children is very real When I read a Chicago Tribune article, “What looks like playing might be drowning”, I was reminded of the safety implications related to the risk of drowning facing children. The article is a real wake-up call and impressed me with how most drowning occurrences have very little of the “Hollywood” crying and thrashing for help scenarios. In fact, when most drownings involve little warning to lifeguards or parents who are supervising. Rather, most drownings provide little advance warning as… Continue Reading