May 24, 2021 – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is warning parents and caregivers about the dangers of childhood drowning. Kids can drown in as little as one inch of water, so it is a good idea to secure toilet lids, hot tub covers, inflatable pools as well as empty buckets when not in use says DCFS Chief Nurse Pete Dykes. He also has this advice:
“Young children should wear personal flotation devices, but that does not replace adult supervision. Keep hot tubs securely covered when they’re not in use and appoint an adult than can swim to watch children at all times when they are in the pool,” said Dykes.
Dykes recommends learning CPR as well. Last year in Illinois, 20 children lost their lives to accidental drowning including nine in swimming pools, four in rivers, two in lakes, one in a pond, and one in a cistern.
