As summer gets underway this July 4th weekend, swimming may be part of activities for children and families.  The Danbury Fire Department is offering some statistics and safety information.  The Office of Child Advocate found that between 2011 and last year, 39 children died from drowning in Connecticut.  Babies can drown in just one inch of water and small children are curious about water and don’t understand the dangers. 

Drowning is a leading cause of child injury and death. 

The data found that minority children are dis-proportionally affected by drowning and children with disabilities are at higher risk for drowning.  Teens are at risk if they lack swimming skills and knowledge about water safety. 

Danbury Fire Department is sharing information included in the Public Health Brief about how to prevent childhood drowning.  Prevention strategies include vigilant supervision when kids are in or around water at all times.

Prevention tips also include learning to swim, learn CPR and fence off all pools.  Any water in tubs, buckets and kiddie pools should be dumped out after use.