In the United States, 1,236 children (0-18 years old) died from drowning in 2000. Males are at a much higher risk of drowning than females: one study found that on average, three-quarters of all drowning victims are male. Toddlers, especially males under age four years, are at highest risk of drowning. Children living in rural areas are also at higher risk because of their proximity to open bodies of water. Most child drownings occur when a supervising adult is distracted.

Childhood Drowning Prevention

A study in the Journal of Pediatrics reported on the relationship between the child’s age and place of drowning. This study found that babies most often drown when left unattended in bathtubs, even for a few minutes. Toddler drowning most often occurs in swimming pools or backyard ponds. Most children who drown in pools were last seen inside the home or just outside of the home (not necessarily near the water) and had been out of sight of the caretaker for less than five minutes. Older children more often drown in open bodies of water (lakes, rivers, oceans, gravel pits).

Alcohol use is involved in about 25% to 50% of adolescent and adult deaths associated with water recreation. It is a major contributing factor in up to 50% of drownings among adolescent boys. Nearly three-quarters of boating-related deaths are due to drowning; 89% of people who drowned while boating were not wearing personal flotation devices.  As always, the more safety steps that you can add around your house and your pool; the safer that your family should be.  Call us for more info or a custom safety program!

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‘Safety Nick’, as he is affectionately known, is the owner and operator of Home Hazard Prevention, LLC (HHP).  As a professional firefighter in the Valley since 2005 with an extensive background in responding to and preventing emergencies, Nick felt that it was time to help the citizens of Maricopa and Pinal Counties learn how to be safe and protect their loved ones in a proactive manner.  In 2012, HHP was launched.  With the support of his wonderful (and understanding!) wife and two beautiful children, Nick works tireless hours, not only to help save your family’s lives, as a firefighter and a community safety expert, but also to be able to spend quality time with his family.  Nick moved to Arizona over 20 years ago and enjoys exploring our great state with his family.

Be sure to contact Home Hazard Prevention for any of your family or business safety needs. From mobile CPR training to car seat education to infant safety (and much more!) HHP is here to help! Remember, a complete safety program does not have to be expensive or time-consuming. There is no one more qualified than a group of professional firefighters to keep your family safe! (480) 448-0266 or [email protected]

© HHP, LLC 2012-2022