Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo

Emergency Department
Injury Prevention Info- Drowning

• Drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 14 and under
• Children under 5 years of age account for 76% of reported fatalities from drowning
• Swimming pools are the most common place for a drowning to occur especially among children between 1 and 4 years old.
• Boys have a drowning rate twice that of girls

Here are Ways You Can Keep Your Children Safe and Enjoy the Outdoors and Swimming

• Fencing (around all 4 sides) of home pools could prevent 50 – 90 percent of childhood drownings and near-drownings
• Pool alarms and automatic pool covers add an extra layer of protection
• Half of all drowning accidents among boaters could be prevented if a life jacket was worn:
  • Life jackets will help keep your head above the water.
  • If it is too big, the life jacket will ride up around your face.
  • Too small, it will not be able to keep your body afloat.
  • Life jackets designed for adults will not work for children!
  • For the best fit, try the life jacket in shallow water under safe and supervised conditions.
• Always supervise your children 

ENJOY AND BE SAFE!!

Contact Dawn Melancon, Trauma Coordinator WCHOB if you have any questions (716) 878-7953