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Winter Drowning Prevention
November 22, 2008 |
The rate of child-drowning deaths in Florida is double the national average. The
majority of those deaths normally occur in residential swimming pools.
“I think the saddest thing probably in this area is probably drowning. I think at
lot of times it’s just those few moments when a pool gate was left open or a sliding
glass door was left open,” says pediatrician Dr. Stan Wiggins.
He adds that this time of year it’s especially important for grandparents to make
sure their pool are is secure when children come to visit. “It’s really important
when you’ve got young kids, especially toddlers to early school age, that you always
have that pool gate fastened; that if you’re going to have kids swimming and you
have kids of mixed ages make sure that there’s an adult who’s always watching,”
says Dr. Wiggins.
Near drowning is a particular concern for young children. The lack of oxygen to
the brain can result in severe mental retardation and developmental delays. Pediatricians
recommend that parents and grandparents and caregivers learn child and infant CPR. |
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