Health Tip: Help Prevent Drowning
(HealthDay News) -- Drowning is the fifth-leading cause of unintentional death in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The CDC offers these suggestions to help reduce the risk of drowning:
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Adults should always carefully supervise children around any body of water -- including a bathtub. Avoid any distractions, such as reading or talking on the phone.
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Everyone should always swim with a buddy.
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Everyone should take formal swimming lessons, especially young children.
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Anyone with a seizure disorder should be carefully supervised around water.
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Always wear a life jacket when on a boat.
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Always build a barrier around pools to protect children, even if they know how to swim.
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Don't substitute water toys for life jackets.
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Never drink alcohol while boating, swimming or supervising children in the water.
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Never let children hold their breath for an extended period under water.
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