Incidents of drowning deaths are on the rise after decades of decline according to the CDC, but there are ways to mitigate your child's risk of danger. Dr. Jon Gehlbach, M.D., is the medical director of the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at OSF HealthCare Children's Hospital of Illinois, is providing key tips for safety in or around the water.
From 2020 to 2022, more than 4,500 people died each year due to drowning and was the leading cause of death for children ages 1 through 4. According to the CDC's 'Vital Sign' study, 55% of American adults have never taken a swimming lesson. Dr. Gehlbach recommends parents get their kids comfortable with swim lessons to keep kids safe around the water.
If your child was to lose consciousness underwater, Dr. Gehlbach stresses the importance of knowing how to administer CPR.
One of the most common reasons for a child drowning is when a child enters the pool without an adult knowing. Dr. Gehlbach says that 'time is of the essence' when it comes to a victim of drowning.
For more information and key tips for a safe summer on the water, visit www.cdc.gov/drowning.
