Most Recent Data on Drownings:
In South Florida: From the Florida Bureau of Emergency Services.

                          - Florida leads the nation in drownings and near drownings.
                       - 64% occur in swimming pools.
                    - For each drowning, there are 4 near drownings and fourteen children are seen in
                       emergency rooms.
                 - One third of those admitted are comatose, but survive with major neurological impairment.
              - In 69% of the drownings, child was being supervised by one or both parents at the time.
            - 10% were being watched by adults other than parents.
         - 14% watched by sitters.
      - 7% watched by siblings.
   - Children less than one year of age drown in bathtubs most often.
- Children 2-4 drown most often in home pools.
- 65% of total drownings are in backyard pools.
- 22% in relatives pools.
- 11% in neighbors pools.
- 77% of children in drowning were seen less than 5 minutes before drowning.
- 69% were not thought to be in the pool area.

RECMMENDATIONS: Total and complete attention during parental supervision. Even seconds of distraction are dangerous. Separation of house from pool by a barrier is important. "Rool over, float, yell for help" is the most important swim skill for a child to learn.

John Leonard
ASCA Executive Director