Child drowning prevention tips: Keep kids safe in the water this summer
Fox News
A child in the water, even a small amount, can quickly turn dangerous. Whenever a child is exposed to a pool of water, whether that be in a bathtub or the ocean, practice these safety precautions.
"If you have questions about water safety, ask your pediatrician." Melissa Rudy is senior health editor and a member of the lifestyle team at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to melissa.rudy@fox.com.
Birth defects aside, drowning is the most common cause of death among children ages 1 to 4, according to the American Red Cross. Children younger than 1 are more likely to drown at home, while for those younger than 5, 87% of drowning incidents happen in home pools or hot tubs. As children age, lakes and ponds become a dangerous setting for potential drowning. Children 5 to 17 are more likely to drown in natural water such as this.