Texas Children's Hospital - Drowning dangers lurk throughout the home

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Shine Magazine

Drowning dangers lurk throughout the home

Even if you don't have a pool in your backyard, you still need to be vigilant to keep your children safe from drowning. Children can -- and do -- drown in a small amount of water.

And it takes only a few seconds for a child to drown.

About 120 children drown each year in bathtubs, buckets, toilets, spas, hot tubs and other containers of water around the home.

"Many parents are aware of the dangers of pools and drowning, but they also need to be alert and very careful with children and other water in the home," said Dr. Rohit Shenoi, attending physician in Texas Children's emergency room and assistant professor of pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine.

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. And don't rely on an older sibling for supervision.

Heed the hazards

Shenoi cautions parents to be knowledgeable of the dangers of household drowning.

Bathtubs

About 100 children under 5 years old drown in bathtubs in the United States each year. Most of the deaths occur when the child is left alone. Others happen because adults falsely believe bath seats or rings will keep the children safe.
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 tubs so they do not block the drain and prevent the tub from emptying.
Protect kids from heat and electricity, especially around water. Store electrical appliances away from children.
Water should be no hotter than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Buckets

The 5-gallon bucket is the worst hazard because of its tall, straight sides. Combined with the buckets' stablity, it is almost impossible for infants and toddlers to free themselves if they fall into a bucket headfirst.
Empty and turn over a bucket you have used for cleaning or car washing.
Do not leave empty buckets or other containers in the yard.

Toilets

Always put the lid down. Use locking devices if you have toddlers.
Never allow a young child to play unsupervised in the bathroom.

Other danger zones:

Hot tubs located near or inside the home
Landscape ponds
Sinks
Fish tanks