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Don't let Independence Day End in Tragedy
52 children have drowned in Texas this year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - JUNE 29, 2011
On a hot 4th of July weekend there is no place Texans would rather be than near water with family and friends. Yet, water and children can be a deadly combination. 52 children and teens have already drowned in Texas this year and summer is the most dangerous time of the year. That's why Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) urges everyone to never leave children unsupervised near water, not even for a minute.
Accidental drowning is one of the leading causes of death among infants, toddlers, and young children. 37 of the children who have drowned this year were six years old or younger. 22 of them where age two or younger.
Most of this year's tragedies have happened in swimming pools (51%) or lakes (13%) but children can drown in almost any amount of water. Bathtubs (8%) are particularly dangerous for infants and toddlers. Children have also been known to drown in hot tubs, mop buckets, ice chests, toilets, and even septic tanks. Examples of this year's tragedies include:
- A two-year old Bexar County girl drowned in a river.
- A four-year old Harris County boy died at a water park.
- A 14-year old Tarrant County boy drowned in a lake.
- A nine-month old Dallas County boy drowned in a bathtub.
- A nine-year old El Paso boy died in an irrigation canal.
- A seven-year old South Texas girl drowned in a city swimming pool.
- A four-year old Central Texas boy drowned in a swimming pool.
Children under one year of age are more likely to drown in bathtubs, buckets, and other indoor containers. Older children are more likely to drown in swimming pools and other outdoor bodies of water. Most young children who drown in pools are out of sight less than five minutes and are in the care of one or both parents at the time.
Many of these tragedies can be prevented. Never leave children unsupervised for any length of time around water because, in a matter of minutes, the results can be devastating.
Don't let this holiday end in tragedy. Keep children in sight at all times.
See & Save - "If you can't see them, you can't save them!"
For more information about water safety for children, please visit SeeandSave.org.
News reporters may contact the DFPS media specialist in their area.