| The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) warns consumers about
hidden drowning hazards for small children in and around the home. Recent data show that a
third as many children under age 5 (an average of about 115 annually) drown from other
hazards around the home as drown in swimming pools. Many of these deaths are associated
with common household products. For example:
- About two-thirds of the drowning deaths in the home, not including pools, occur in
bathtubs. Some of these bathtub drowning deaths happened when children were in bath seats or
rings.
- 5-gallon buckets, often used for household chores, pose a serious threat to toddlers.
Their tall, straight sides combined with their stability make it nearly impossible for
top-heavy infants to free themselves when they topple in headfirst.
- Toilets are often overlooked as a drowning hazard in the home. The typical scenario
involves a child under 3-years-old falling headfirst into the toilet.
- Spas and Hot Tubs pose another drowning hazard. A solar cover can allow babies to slip
into the water while the cover appears to stay in place, hiding the child.
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Childhood drowning deaths also occur in other containers that may contain
liquids, including coolers, sinks, fish tanks and landscape ponds. CPSC offers these
safety tips to help prevent childhood drowning deaths in and around the home.
- NEVER leave a baby alone in a bathtub even for a second. Always keep baby in arm's
reach.
- NEVER leave young children alone or with young siblings in a bathtub even if you are
using a bath seat or ring. Children can drown quickly and silently.
- Keep the toilet lid down, and keep young children out of the bathroom when unsupervised.
Consider placing a latch on the bathroom door out of reach of young children.
- Be sure all containers that contain liquids are emptied immediately after use. Do not
leave empty containers in yards or around the house where they may accumulate water and
attract young children.
- Always secure the safety cover on your spa or hot tub.
- Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) - it can be a lifesaver.
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