Injury Prevention

Water Safety

Despite a 34% decline from 1987 to 1998, drowning is still the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death to children ages 14 and under. More than 1,000 children drown each year.  For every child who drowns, four more are hospitalized for a near-drowning, and for every hospital admission, four children are treated in emergency rooms.

Drowning is a quick and silent killer!  A child can drown in the time it takes to:

• Cross the room for a towel (10 seconds), a child in the bathtub can become submerged.
• Answer the phone (2 minutes), that child can lose consciousness.
• Sign for a package at your front door (4 to 6 minutes), a child submerged in the bathtub or pool can sustain permanent brain damage.

Knowledge is a powerful tool for combating these tragedies. Knowing how and where children drown, as well as the steps you can take to avoid danger, may make a life-and-death difference for your family.

Rivers and Lakes
Why Kids are at Risk
Protecting Your Children

Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue   |   20665 SW Blanton St. Aloha, OR 97007   |   Tel. 503-649-8577   Fax. 503-642-4814