Residents are reminded to take these SILENT precautions to avoid Drowning
World Drowning Prevention Day is July 25, an annual observance that seeks to raise awareness about drowning and to promote life-saving measures to prevent it. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 236,000 people drown every year, and drowning is among the ten leading causes of death for children aged 5-14 years.
In Baltimore County, there have been 12 child drownings since 2020 with the number tragically increasing each year. According to the Maryland Autism Coalition, Maryland recorded seven drowning deaths of autistic children in the summer of 2024. The likelihood of drowning death for children with autism is 160 times greater as compared to the general pediatric population. Wandering and elopement behaviors are often associated with increased danger of drowning for children with autism.
International and local statics underscore the urgent need for greater drowning awareness and preventative education. The Baltimore County Department of Health is asking everyone to take these preventative steps to protect yourself and others by taking these SILENT precautions:
Swim Skills (learn to swim and keep skills sharp);
Install Alarms (on doors, windows and around pools);
Layers of Protection (install non-climbable fencing with a locking gate around pools; remove pool toys);
Eyes (assign designated water watchers);
Never Leave Children Alone (never leave a child unattended and check the pool first if a child is missing) Turn Off Phones (Put down your cell phone when supervising a child in or near water).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these facts about drowning along with preventative tips.
Often there are no warning signs or splashing sounds associated with drowning. Signs for distress include head titled back, hair over the face, vertical body, and a “climbing ladder” motion. If you see someone drowning, yell for help, call 911, and perform CPR.
During these summer months and year-round, let’s do everything we can to prevent drowning!
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