Children at Greatest Risk for Drowning, Aug. 4

Warm weather and sunny skies have Oregonians enjoying time outdoors. Eugene Springfield Fire encourages you to explore your surroundings for safety hazards while you are out and about to prevent a tragedy from dampening your summer fun. Young children are quick, mobile and inquisitive. This can lead to trouble in the blink of an eye. Unintentional drowning is the second leading cause of death of children age 1 to 14 and the leading cause of death of children age 1 to 4. Drowning can occur in less than 2 inches of water, places where you would least expect it: a sink, toilet bowl, bucket, fountain, pond, inflatable pool or accumulated water in a ditch or low spot. People who are drowning are usually not able to call out for help and irreversible brain damage or death can occur in minutes. Eugene Springfield Fire encourages all parents and caregivers to review these safety reminders. * Create a barrier such as fences, grates or covers to all pools, ponds and fountains. * Consider door alarms on doors leading to areas with known water hazards. * Closely supervise children, keeping toddlers within arm’s reach. * Empty all buckets, coolers, tubs and small pools when not in use. Keep toilet lids closed. * Maintain CPR and First Aid training. * Enroll kids in swimming lessons. Parent & child lessons are available for kids as young as 6 months. * Wear approved life jackets when recreating near or in rivers, lakes and oceans.