Prairie State Wire

With summer approaching, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) emphasizes the critical need for vigilant supervision of children around water to prevent accidental drownings. Heidi E. Mueller, Director of Illinois DCFS, stated, "Children are easily attracted to water, and even turning your attention away from a child near water for a moment to answer a phone call or tend to a child in the next room can result in dire consequences." She further explained that drownings occur quickly and silently, often without any obvious signs like waving or splashing.

In 2024, 19 children in Illinois died due to accidental drowning incidents. These tragedies occurred in various settings: eight in pools, four each in lakes and rivers, two in ponds, and one in a bathtub. Notably, nine victims were aged five or younger.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports an increase in drowning deaths across the United States after years of decline. Drowning is now the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4, with a 28% rise between 2019 and 2022. It also ranks as the second leading cause of unintentional injury death among children aged 5-14.

To help prevent such tragedies, DCFS provides several safety tips:

- Never leave young children alone in bathtubs.

- Secure toilet lids to prevent toddlers from tipping into them.

- Keep buckets out of children's reach when not in use.

- Empty portable pools immediately after use.

- Always have an adult who can swim supervise children at swimming pools.

- Enroll children in swimming lessons.

- Install fences around pools with self-closing gates.

- Learn CPR and keep emergency equipment nearby.

For additional resources on water safety, visit the DCFS website at dcfs.illinois.gov/for-families/safety/water-safety.html.