Water Safety Week brings drowning risk Into focus

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) –As National Water Safety Week continues, health officials are reminding parents and guardians to stay vigilant when children are near the water.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4. It is also a top cause of unintentional injury-related deaths among children and adolescents nationwide.

Medical staff at Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center are using the week to raise awareness and provide guidance on drowning prevention.

Toni Scollins, injury prevention coordinator with Novant Health, said one of the most dangerous misconceptions about drowning is how quiet it can be.

“The unfortunate thing is that drownings are silent,” Scollins said. “So that’s how we miss a lot of these opportunities to save and keep our children safe, because this can happen in less than a minute. When you think of children, they have smaller lung capacities…”

Scollins recommends always assigning a sober, attentive adult to watch children when they are in or near water.

Experts also advise that children begin swim lessons early. Programs offered by organizations such as the American Red Cross and local YMCAs teach basic swimming skills and water safety techniques.

In addition, families are encouraged to use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets rather than inflatable floaties, which can tip children forward and lead to accidental submersion.

Even after a child appears to be fine following a near-drowning incident, Scollins said it’s still important to seek medical attention.