Texas Children's Hospital - Prevent bathtub drowning

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Prevent bathtub drowning

Bathtub drowning statistics

About 100 children under 5 years old drown in bathtubs in the United States each year.
Drowning can and does occur in as little as two inches of water.
Most of the deaths occur when the child is left alone. Some deaths occur because adults falsely believe a bath seat or ring will keep the baby safe.

Preventing bathtub drownings

Never leave young children alone in the tub or near water for any reason. There is no substitute for the supervision of a responsible adult.
Do not rely on an older sibling for supervision.
A bath seat or ring cannot protect the baby from drowning. Supervision is needed at all times.
If using a bath seat or ring, check the suction cups to make sure they tightly adhere to both the seat or ring and the tub. Never use a bath seat or ring in a non-skid or slip-resistant bathtub.
To provide greater traction, equip the tub with a rubber mat or apply non-slip adhesive decals or strips to the bottom of the tub.
Keep a bath mat by the side of the tub so the child has a slip-free exit.
Remove any loose items, such as toys, washcloths and sponges, from the tubso they do not block the drain and prevent the tub from emptying.
Protect kids from heat and electricity, especially around water. Water should be no hotter than 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Store electrical appliances away from children.