A group of public health professionals, Paula Yuma, Jackie Carroll and Melinda Morgan, have published a paper in the Journal of Pediatric Health Care titled A Guide to Personal Flotation Devices and Basic Open Water Safety for Pediatric Health Care Practitioners. This report is geared to health care providers that work with children, but much of the information can benefit any parent.
Instances of Childhood Drowning
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 838 children under the age of fifteen died of drowning in 2002, making it the second leading cause of death for children between one and fifteen years of age. What’s more shocking is that some 4200 children were treated in emergency near drowning cases in the year 2003. Many near drowning events result in permanent disabilities to children.
Types of Personal Flotation Devices
Lifejackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs) can prevent a significant number of childhood drowning or near drowning incidents. During 2003, CDC data showed that 62% of children that died in recreational boating related accidents were not wearing a PFD. Researchers believe 84% of boating related drowning could be prevented by correct use of PFDs. Authors of the report stressed that caregivers understand there is an important safety difference between an approved lifejacket and a swimming aid.
There are five types of Coast Guard approved PFDs. Type I lifejackets are meant for offshore use and will often turn an unconscious person’s face up in the water. Type II or near coastal PFDs are a little less bulky, but may not turn unconscious person’s face up in the water. Type III PFDs are known as flotation aids and are meant for situations were a rescue will come soon and water conditions are calm. Type IV PFDs are throwable devices like floating seat cushions and ring buoys. Type V PFDs are special use flotation devices like exposure coveralls. The authors recommend the Type II PFD as a good compromise for use with children. It isn’t as bulky and uncomfortable as an offshore lifejacket, but they still offer good protection.
The Importance of Supervision
The report notes that use of a lifejacket isn’t in of its self enough to prevent children from drowning. Responsible adult supervision is a vital safety factor in drowning prevention. In 88% of unintentional drowning cases reviewed, there was some supervision of the child, but something caused a distraction. Distractions listed included talking to someone, reading, alcohol use or speaking on the phone.
Researchers have these age specific supervision recommendations:
- Children Younger than 4 Years – The child must be in “touch supervision”, that is being within an arm’s length of the parent. Children cannot be left unattended at any time near the water.
- Children 5 to 12 Years of Age – Consider swimming lessons for children after they are at least four years of age and before they are eight. Children between five and twelve years of age need to learn the rules of safe swimming and water safety. Lessons include learning to never swim alone, not diving into shallow water, no swimming without active adult supervision, and always wearing a PFD while onboard a boat.
- Adolescents 13 to 19 Years of Age – Adolescents have additional risks from possible alcohol use and the tendency for risk taking. Teenagers can learn CPR and model correct PFD use for younger children.
Water Safety Recommendations
These are some practical steps parents can take to improve open water safety for children:
- Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First-Aid
- Learn the difference between an approved PFD and a swimming aid
- Understand that a PFD is no substitute for proper supervision
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