On September 28, 2007, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) released data indicating 311 non-pool drownings of children younger than five years of age from 2002 through 2004. At least 80 percent of those deaths involved children younger than two years old.

The most common non-pool drowning deaths occurred in bathtubs, accounting for 71 percent of the deaths. Many of the bathtub drownings resulted from caregivers leaving the room to answer the phone or the door, or from older siblings being left to watch younger siblings.

“Infants and toddlers need particularly close supervision,” said CPSC Acting Chairman Nancy Nord. “Drowning can occur within seconds in only inches of water, so parents need to think of, not just the pool, but any water anywhere as dangerous.”

The CPSC had several safety tips for parents and caregivers when children are around bathtubs, spas, buckets, or decorative ponds or fountains:

• Never leave young children alone near any water. Young children can drown in even small amounts of water.
• Always keep a young child within arm’s reach in a bathtub. Never leave to answer the phone, answer the door, get a towel or for any other reason. If you must leave, take the child with you.
• Don’t leave a baby or toddler in a bathtub under the care of another young child.
• Never leave a bucket containing even a small amount of liquid unattended. Toddlers can fall headfirst into buckets and drown. After using a bucket, always empty and store it where young children cannot reach it. Buckets left outside can collect rainwater, and are a hazard.
• Prevent children from gaining access to spas or hot tubs when not in use; always secure with safety covers and barriers.
• Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). It can be a lifesaver when seconds count.

Source: “Infants and toddlers at risk of drowning in bathtubs, spas and buckets,” United States Consumer Product Safety Commission Release #07-316, September 28, 2007.