'Be water safe, supervise': DCFS urges parents to supervise children around water this summer

CHICAGO, Ill. (WCIA) — The weather is hot, and as kids shoot cannons in pools across the state, parents are reminded to keep a watchful eye out to avoid drownings.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death among children ages 5 to 14. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) says 20 children lost their lives to accidental drowning in the state last year – most of whom were aged 5 years or less.

Of the drownings, eight took place in swimming pools – but this tragedy can happen in virtually any body of water. Four of these fatal incidents occurred in bathtubs, four in lakes, two in ponds, one in a water park and one in a washing machine.

“A child can drown in just an inch of water and in just 20 seconds,” said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller. “In the time it takes a caregiver to respond to a text, turn their back to talk to a loved one, or go inside to get a towel, a fun outing can turn deadly. It is extremely important that adults actively supervise children whenever they are in or near water to avoid tragedy. »

For every child who dies from drowning, seven more children have to go to the emergency room for submersion injuries.

“A good tip is to practice ‘scope supervision,’” Mueller suggested. “This means that an adult is always close enough to touch a child while they are in the water. Let's keep our kids safe this summer by taking steps to be water safe and monitoring them! »

Here are additional safety tips shared by DCFS Illinois to help protect children and prevent more water-related tragedies:

Near the bathrooms

• Never leave a young child alone in a bathtub and never rely on a bathtub seat for your safety.
• Secure the toilet lid. Curious toddlers could fall headfirst into the toilet and risk drowning.
• Don't let children play alone in the bathroom.

Near the buckets

• Five-gallon buckets commonly used for home improvement projects pose a threat to babies and toddlers who may fall in and be unable to get out.
• Empty and store all buckets out of reach of children when not in use.

Near portable or inflatable swimming pools

• Don't be lulled into a false sense of security due to the shallow depth of baby pools. A child can drown in just an inch of water.
• Empty the pool immediately after use and store it upside down.

Near pools and hot tubs

• Keep ladders, patio furniture and toys away from above-ground pools.
• Install a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate around all pools and spas.
• Keep the pool and deck free of floats, balls and toys after leaving the pool.
• Young children can wear personal flotation devices, but don't let that fool you into thinking they can prevent drowning.
• Keep spas tightly covered when not in use. Children should not be left alone in a spa.
• Designate an adult who knows how to swim to always supervise children when they are in the pool.
• Learn CPR and keep first aid equipment, a telephone and emergency numbers near the pool. The American Red Cross offers online CPR training courses that anyone can complete at their own pace from the comfort of their home.

Near ponds, fountains and retention basins

• Be aware of access to water hazards in your yard and neighborhood. If a child goes missing, check these areas first.

For more information on water safety and to find child-friendly resources, visit the DCFS website and check out their water safety page.