Here are some facts about the drowning epidemic in the United States.
Drowning is the leading cause of injury related death for children ages 1-4.
It's possible to drown in as little as an inch of water.
11 Americans die every day from a drowning. 22 are affected by a non-fatal drowning each day.
Drowning injuries can cause brain damage or other serious outcomes.
Males are at a higher risk than females.
African-American children ages 5-19 drown in swimming pools at 5.5 times higher rates than Caucasian children.
When parent have no/low swimming skills, their children are unlikely to have proficient swimming skills.
Drowning is a leading cause of death in childhood, particularly for kids ages 1-4. It's important to have multiple layers of protection to prevent drowning deaths. They include:
Life saving skills such as the basics of swimming and CPR.
Swim lessons
Barriers with self-closing and locking mechanisms around swimming pools
Wearing life jackets in and around natural water bodies
Lifeguards
Parental supervision
For more information on the work of the Water Safety Task Force Metro Chicago visit chicagowatersafety.org
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