Sometimes facts can bore us or overwhelm us, but they are quite effective in illustrating the size of a problem. Drowning is a huge problem worldwide, across the US, and especially here in Texas!

As parents, we need to realize what the real dangers are lurking near our children. Is your child more likely to be a kidnap victim, or a drowning victim?

JUST THE FACTS

Drowning Worldwide

  • 3rd leading cause of accidental death in world.
  • 388,000 drownings per year worldwide.
  • 2 highest risk groups = children, males.
  • Accounts for 10% of global mortality.
  • Because floods, tsunamis, and boat accidents are not included in these stats…the problem is much greater than these facts indicate.
  • Children under 5, highest mortality rates worldwide.

USA Drowning

  • More than 830 US children ages 14 and under die as a result of unintentional drowning, YEARLY.
  • 3,600 injuries occur due to a near-drowning incident, ANNUALLY.
  • Cost of drownings in US each year = $273 million.
  • The 2nd leading cause of accidental death of children in the USA.
  • The 1st leading cause of accidental death of preschoolers in Texas.

Where Do Preschoolers Drown?

  • 51% drownings occur in HOME swimming pools
  • 24% drownings occur in friend, family, or neighbors’ pools.
  • 9% drownings occur in a public pool.

Which Preschool Children are at High Risk?

  • Preschoolers who live near water are especially at risk, especially in-ground, back yard pools.
  • Emler recommends that families with children under the age of five live in homes without a backyard pool.

Which School Aged Children are at High Risk?

  • African American children have a drowning rate more than 3 times that of their white counterparts
  • Low-income children are at greater risk from non-swimming pool drownings.
  • Drowning Deaths increase 87% from May to August each summer.

HOW CAN WE HELP?

How Can We Protect Children from the Backyard Pool?

  • Enroll kids in formal swim lessons. 88% less chance of drowning.
  • Supervise with your eyes. Children drown without a sound.
  • Install self-closing fences. 50% reduction in drowning.
  • Install alarms.
  • Install rigid pool covers.
  • Learn and review CPR.
  • Keep telephone by the pool.
  • Work out an Emergency Action Plan in advance.

How Can We Protect Babies Under the Age of One Year Inside the House?

  • Empty all buckets.
  • Keep toilet lids closed and use toilet locks.
  • Never leave children unattended.
  • Keep doors to bathrooms and laundry rooms closed.
  • Children in baby bath seats and rings must be watched every second.

How Can We Protect Children at Lakes, Ponds, Rivers, and Oceans?

  • Have children wear PFDs in open water.
  • Enroll your child in formal swimming lessons.
  • Actively, visually, supervise children in and around open bodies of water.
  • Make sure kids swim only in areas designated for swimming.
  • Watch for unexpected drop-offs and currents while wading in open water.
  • Teach children not to dive.
  • Learn infant and child CPR.

How Can We Protect Children While Boating?

  • Do not let kids operate personal water crafts.
  • Always have your children wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on boats.
  • Never drink alcoholic beverages while boating.
  • Take a boating education course.
  • Get a vessel safety check every year.


The truth is, in our community, you are most likely to lose your preschool child to drowning than any other type of unintentional accident. The good news is, drowning is 100% preventable.

Please be Safe this Summer!
by Jan Emler, President
Emler Swim Schools


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About Jan:
Emler’s founder and president, Jan Emler, fell in love with teaching swimming when she was 13 years old, working as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the YWCA in Kansas City.

Jan founded Emler Swim School in 1975 with 12 students in a backyard pool in Arlington, Texas. Today, Emler Swim School teaches nearly 20,000 students a year. Jan is still actively involved in the five Emler facilities. A sought after consultant for other swim schools utilizing the Emler curriculum, Jan has received national awards for innovative teaching and exceptional leadership. She is a charter member of the U.S. Swim School Association, a three-time member of the organization’s Board of Directors, and a frequent speaker at national and international aquatic education conferences. Jan’s life goal is for children to fall in love with the best element God ever made…water.