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Drowning Prevention

In California, drowning is a leading cause of injury-related deaths among children under the age of five and near-drowning accidents each year result in life-long disabilities. DDS and the Drowning Prevention Foundation continue to raise awareness on this issue, and remind parents and caregivers that "kids are not drown proof!"

California's Caseload of Near Drowning as Risk Factors

• By Age Groups - 1997-2007 | December 2007 (PDF)
• By Residence Type - 1997 - 2007 | December 2007 (PDF)
• By County of Residence - December 2007

Infant and Toddler (Ages 0-4) Drowning Deaths in California

• 1991-2004 (PDF)
• 1996-2005 (PDF)

Source: California Department of Health Services, Epidemiology and Prevention for Injury Control Branch

Drowning Prevention Foundation Publications

• Safety Guidelines English (PDF)
  Steps to avoid drowning accidents include close and constant supervision of children at all times near water and provision of multiple layers of protection, including pool fencing, gates, automatic sliding door closers, pool alarms and automatic safety covers.
• Nine Myths of Drowning English (PDF)
  Test your knowledge of drowning prevention safety by reading this flyer published by the Drowning Prevention Foundation.
• Kids Aren't Drown Proof! Save A Life English| Spanish (PDF)
  An educational brochure that includes the safety guidelines and nine myths of downing.
• Protect your Child Against Bathtub Drownings English | Spanish (PDF)

For assistance with locating drowning prevention resources, contact:
The Drowning Prevention Foundation
Nadina Riggsbee, President/Founder
Phone: (707) 747-0191
E-mail: nriggsbee@comcast.net

Consumer Reports Infant and Toddler Safety Hazards Information

• Inflatable Pools
• Bath Seats
• Additional types of infant & toddler "Surprise hazards"

Drowning Prevention Information & Links

• American Academy of Pediatrics: Pool Safety for Children
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
  • Safety Barrier Guidelines for Home Pools (PDF)
  • How to Plan for the UnExpected (PDF)
  • Guidelines for Entrapment Hazards: Making Pools and Spas Safer (PDF)
• National Center for Injury and Prevention Control - Water-Related Injuries: Fact Sheet
• DDS Safety Net