Drowning: Myth vs. Fact

    Can you tell if the following statements are
    MISCONCEPTION or REALITY?


    These graphics and statistics are part of a July 2016 report published by SafeKids.org, available for download here.

    Myth or fact: I'll hear it if a child is in danger of drowning.

    *Source: Brenner RA. Prevention of drowning in infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatrics. 2003;112(2): 440-445.

    Myth or fact: I can step away for a few minutes while my child swims.

    *Source: American Red Cross. Lifeguarding Today. 1994. ISBN 10: 0801675553 ISBN 13: 9780801675553

    Myth or fact: If a lifeguard is on duty, I don't have to watch my child closely.

    *Source: Ramos W, Beale A, Chambers A, Dalke S, Fielding R, Kublick L, Langendorfer S, Lees T, Quan L, Wernicki P. Primary and secondary drowning interventions: The American Red Cross circle of drowning prevention and chain of drowning survival. International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education. 2015;9:89-101.

    Myth or fact: My child won't drown because he knows how to swim well.

    *Source: National Center for Fatality Review and Prevention. National Child Death Review Case Reporting System (CDR-CRS). Analysis of drowning deaths for 0-17 year olds, 2005-2014

    For more common misconceptions and their factual realities, please download the complete SafeKids report.

    Reference:

    MacKay JM, Steel A, Dykstra H, Wheeler T, Samuel E, Green A. Keeping Kids Safe In and Around Water: Exploring Misconceptions that Lead to Drowning. Washington, D.C.: Safe Kids Worldwide, June 2016.