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CPSC Warns of In-Home Drowning Dangers

Bathtubs, bath seats, buckets cited

By James Limbach
ConsumerAffairs.com

October 13, 2009

Swimming Pools • CPSC Warns of In-Home Drowning Dangers • New Study Highlights Dangers in the Water • Pool And Spa Safety Law Takes Effect This Week • Drowning Season Opens; Pools a Major Menace to Children • Backyard Pools Pose Danger to Kids • Legal liability • Feds target pools

The end of outdoor swimming and pool season doesn't mean the end of drowning dangers for young children. After pools, more children drown in bathtubs than in any other product in and around the home.

For 2003-2005, CPSC staff received reports of an average of 90 children younger than 5 years of age who drowned in bathtubs (62 percent), baby seats or bathinettes (15 percent), buckets and pails (11 percent), landscaping or yard products (6 percent), and other products (4 percent).

There was an annual average of an additional 39 reports of non-fatal submersion incidents for 2005-2007 that were reported for the same products. The majority of drownings and non-fatal submersion incidents involved children younger than two years old.

"What parents need to know is that anywhere there is water, there is a potential drowning hazard to children," said Inez Tenenbaum, CPSC Chairman. "Parents shouldn't let their guard down; young children need constant supervision around bathtubs, bath seats and buckets."

Many of the reported incidents involved a lapse in supervision by caregivers, such as leaving the bathroom momentarily while the child was in the bathtub to answer the phone/door or to retrieve an item like a towel. In other incidents, an older sibling was left to watch a younger sibling.

CPSC recommends parents and caregivers follow these safety tips when children are around bathtubs, bath seats, buckets, spas, or decorative ponds or fountains:

• Never leave young children alone, even for a moment, near any water. Young children can drown quickly in even small amounts of water.

• Always keep a young child within arm's reach in a bathtub. If you must leave, take the child with you.

• Don't leave a baby or toddler in a bathtub under the care of another young child.

• Never leave a bucket containing even a small amount of liquid unattended. Toddlers can fall headfirst into buckets and drown. After using a bucket, always empty and store it where young children cannot reach it. Don't leave buckets outside where they can collect rainwater.

• Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). It can be a lifesaver when seconds count.

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