Tragic Rise in Drownings Among Illinois Children

Drowning: The Leading Cause of Death for Young Children

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is a critical issue, ranking as the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for those aged 5 to 14.

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The alarming statistics from 2023 show a crisis with 20 Illinois children losing their lives to accidental drowning, with tragic incidents occurring in pools, bathtubs, lakes, ponds, and even a washing machine and water park.

According to the press release, 13 of these victims were aged 5 and younger, emphasizing the dangers of having every young child around water.

Summer’s Increased Risk: Supervision is Key

The summer months, when pools are frequently in use and water bodies are more accessible, see a spike in water-related incidents.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has alerted parents and caregivers about the critical need for constant supervision of children near any water source, regardless of their swimming ability.

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“It is easy to be lulled into a false sense of security with floaties or baby bathtubs,” said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller.

She also emphasized that children should never be left unattended in or near water, and reminded us of the importance of vigilance during summer activities, family gatherings, and vacations.

Essential Water Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers

DCFS offers comprehensive safety resources, including brochures and posters in multiple languages. Key recommendations include:

• Bathrooms: Never leave a young child alone in a bathtub, and secure toilet lids to prevent accidental drownings.
• Buckets: Keep five-gallon buckets empty and out of children’s reach to avoid dangerous incidents.
• Portable Pools: Even shallow baby pools require vigilance—empty and store them upside-down when not in use.

Swimming Pools and Hot Tubs: Precautionary Measures

For swimming pools and hot tubs, DCFS suggests several safety measures:

• Install a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate around pools.
• Ensure ladders, toys, and floats are removed from the pool area after use.
• While personal flotation devices can aid in safety, they should not replace constant supervision.
• Appoint a designated adult who can swim to supervise children in the pool and learn CPR for emergency preparedness.

For additional resources and safety tips, visit the DCFS website at DCFS Water Safety Tips and download safety brochures in English, Spanish, and Polish. By staying informed and vigilant, we can work together to prevent these tragic accidents and keep our children safe around water.