South Middlesex Times

The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently released its annual drowning and submersion report, indicating a 12 percent increase in drownings among children under age 15 within one year.

“Drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4 and can tragically occur silently and quickly,” said Erin Muckey, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and medical director of the emergency department at University Hospital in Newark.

Muckey discussed several preventive measures for adults to ensure children's safety around water. She emphasized the importance of supervision, recommending a designated adult "water watcher" who remains undistracted by phones or other responsibilities. This measure is essential even if a lifeguard is present since lifeguards monitor large areas rather than individual children. Muckey also advised teaching children basic swimming skills early on and ensuring all caregivers are trained in CPR.

Homeowners should install fences with self-closing gates, set up alarms, and use drain covers in pool areas to prevent accidental water entry. In case a young child goes missing near unsecured water, checking the water first is crucial.

For novice swimmers and young children, wearing U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets around open water is vital as flotation devices like toddler swim vests are not designed to keep a child's face out of the water. Close supervision remains necessary even when these devices are used.

Adults should avoid swimming or boating alone or while consuming alcohol or other substances. Wearing U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets during boating activities is recommended regardless of swimming ability. Diving into shallow or unclear waters should be avoided due to potential hidden dangers.

"Drowning can happen in seconds," Muckey warned, dispelling the myth that it involves noisy splashing sounds. Drowning can occur silently and quickly; hence constant vigilance is required when children are near water.

Signs of distress include swimmers trying to move without making progress or pressing down with their arms to keep their heads above water. Immediate aid is necessary for such individuals. Passive drowning victims may be motionless and submerged or floating face down; they require urgent rescue and possibly CPR once out of the water.

Muckey addressed common misconceptions about water safety: proficient swimmers still need life vests in high-risk areas like oceans or rivers with strong currents; strong swimmers can still drown due to unexpected conditions; and securing pools and spas at home is critical as drowning can occur outside planned swim times.

In suspected drowning cases, calling for help should be prioritized before attempting rescue using objects like flotation devices instead of direct intervention if it poses personal risk. Once safely out of the water, check for responsiveness and administer CPR if needed.

Lastly, Muckey highlighted that drowning risks extend beyond pools or natural bodies of water—toddlers have drowned after falling into buckets, garden ponds, toilets, and bathtubs at home. Therefore, keeping bathrooms secure from unsupervised access by young children is essential alongside teaching them pool safety irrespective of having a pool at home.

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