DCFS Reminds Parents, Caregivers to Supervise Children Near Water

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5 to 14. In 2023, 20 Illinois children lost their lives to accidental drowning: eight in pools, four in bathtubs, four in lakes, two in ponds, one in a washing machine and one at a water park. Thirteen of the children were age 5 and younger; including six of the children who drowned in pools. For every child who dies from drowning, another seven receive emergency department care for non-fatal submersion injuries. During the summer when pools are open and lakes, ponds and other bodies of water are more accessible, there is an increase in water related deaths especially with children. The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) reminds parents and caregivers to constantly supervise children whenever they are near water, no matter their age or how well they can swim. Illinois DCFS offers safety tips, brochures and posters in English, Spanish and Polish for parents, caregivers, individuals, pools and other water-related businesses to print and share. For safety tips, visit: https://dcfs.illinois.gov and click on Safe Kids > Health and Safety Tips for Children > Water Safety.

Swimming pools and hot tubs

• Keep ladders, patio furniture and toys away from above-ground pools.

• Install a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate around all pools and spas.

• Keep the pool and deck clear of floats, balls and toys after you leave the pool.

• Young children can wear personal flotation devices, but do not be lured into thinking these are able to prevent drownings.

• Keep hot tubs securely covered when not in use. Children should not be left in a hot tub alone.

• Appoint an adult who can swim to always watch children when they are in the pool.

• Learn CPR and keep rescue equipment, a phone and emergency numbers by the pool. The American Red Cross offers online CPR training classes anyone can take at their own pace from the convenience of home.