Efforts to Prevent Children from Drowning

Some time ago there was viral news that an artist's child had drowned in a public swimming pool, despite other possible causes being investigated by the authorities. From this case, what is of concern is that joint efforts are needed to prevent cases of child drowning from occurring again in the future.

Drowning is an emergency situation which is one of the factors resulting in death due to accidents throughout the world. Based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO), around 236,000 people die every year from drowning and more than half of them are under 30 years old. Meanwhile, the number of deaths due to drowning in Indonesia in 2020 reached 4,518 people or 0.27% of total deaths, placing Indonesia in 123rd place in the world.

It is reported that around 140,000 cases of death due to drowning occurred in children under 15 years, with the highest age prevalence: 1-4 years. Based on 2020 data, 43% occurred in open water, 36% in swimming pools, 9% in bathtubs and 12% in other places.

Causes of Drowning

Apart from being unable to swim, there are also other factors that can cause drowning, including:

1. Disruption of physical abilities due to the influence of drugs
2. Incapacity due to hypothermia, shock, injury or exhaustion
3. Inability due to acute illness when swimming
4. A boat or ship sinks
5. Getting caught or entangled in the water, and
6. Suicide.

Relief and Prevention Efforts for Drowning People

The following are rescue and prevention tips released by the Central Management of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association on February 10 2024.

1. REACH with or without tools
2. THROW a floating device, either a tire or a board
3. PADDLE or use a boat to approach the victim
4. SWIMMING is a last resort and must be trained and can also use floating equipment

Efforts to Prevent Drowning Cases

Recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics are to install a 4-sided fence that prevents children's direct access to the swimming pool to prevent drowning accidents. A fence with a minimum height of 120 cm is required, so that children cannot climb it and the distance between the bottom of the fence and the ground is less than 10 cm. Apart from fences, it is necessary to install gates that can lock and close themselves so that children cannot easily access them.

The most important thing in preventing drowning is DIRECT SUPERVISION from parents/caregivers when children are around bathtubs, swimming pools and other places containing water. Every child who is going to swim MUST wear a life jacket. Apart from that, it is important to teach children the correct swimming techniques and ways to save themselves from drowning, such as: how to jump into the water, try to keep their head on the surface of the water, turn around in the water, make sure the child can float, teach how to breathe while moving in the water. in the water and how to get out of the water.

Tips for Safe Swimming with Children

The following are some tips for safe swimming with children, namely:

1. Make sure parents understand swimming pool safety. Check whether there are life guards around the swimming pool and make sure the depth of the swimming pool is safe for children
2. Always accompany your child, do not leave your child swimming alone. If the child is less than 4 years old, parents should always hold the child's arm when swimming even though the child is already proficient
3. Make sure the child uses a life jacket appropriate to the child's body size and age before entering the swimming pool
4. Don't bring toys into the swimming pool to prevent children from slipping or falling when they want to get their toys
5. Learn how to give artificial respiration and basic life support (basic life support for non-medical people) in anticipation of a child drowning
6. Teach children the correct way to swim as early as possible, such as how to breathe, move forward and float
7. If your child has special health conditions, such as epilepsy, asthma, congenital heart disease, you should first consult a pediatrician before taking your child swimming.
8. Avoid swimming after taking medications that can interfere with balance and coordination. Make sure your child is in good health when swimming.

If you need further consultation regarding your child's health, consult your doctor or pediatrician at a health facility or via telemedicine. Make sure your child is in good health so that swimming can be a fun activity for you and your family.