The flood season is here! Parents and children should be alert to these high-risk scenes that may cause drowning hazards →

During the flood season, children are more likely to wade and swim, and drowning accidents are at a high risk. I believe many parents will remind their children to avoid dangerous outdoor waters, but often ignore the drowning risks hidden at home or other indoor places. Let's first look at a few test questions:

1. Have you ever left your child alone in the bathtub (even if it was only for a short time, such as to answer a phone call or get something)?

2. Did you remember to close the doors of the bathroom and laundry room to prevent young children from entering at will?

3. Do you place uncovered buckets, basins, or other containers filled with water anywhere?

4. Do you have an open fish tank or aquarium at home with a high water level and no protective measures?

5. Have you ever let your young child play alone in a small swimming pool or bathtub at home, even if the water level is not high?

If your answers are mostly "yes", you must be vigilant. A shocking fact is that many young children drown at home. According to statistics from the Ministry of Public Security and the National Health Commission, the most common places for drowning for infants and young children aged 4 and under are water containers at home, such as indoor washbasins, water tanks and bathtubs . Today is World Drowning Prevention Day. Let us avoid these "water play" misunderstandings and give children a safe and happy summer experience.

01 If children learn to swim, can they prevent drowning?

Being able to swim does not mean you will not drown. Fatigue, cramps, changes in water flow, low water temperature and other factors can lead to poor physical condition. Even underwater weeds and mud can trap swimmers and cause drowning accidents. Therefore, even if you are good at swimming, you should remain vigilant, avoid acting alone, and carry life-saving equipment.

02 When a child is drowning, he will shout for help. Can adults just watch from a distance to ensure their safety?

In movies and TV shows, there are often scenes of drowning people struggling and shouting for help, but drowning actually happens quickly and silently. The tension after drowning can prevent the drowning person from shouting for help, especially for children, who are more likely to choke on water if they shout for help. If you find someone, especially a child, suddenly quiet in the water, or lying or standing in a daze in the water, be alert, as this may be a sign of drowning.

03 There is only a little water in the basin. Is it okay to leave it on the ground for a short time?

Even if the bathtub or basin at home only contains shallow water (even if the water is only 2-3 cm deep), or even an uncovered toilet, there is a risk of drowning. Since children's bodies are not yet fully developed, as long as the water can submerge their faces, they may suffocate and drown. In addition, basins placed on the ground for a long time are prone to breeding bacteria, which is not conducive to family hygiene. Therefore, after giving your child a bath, drain the water in the bathtub or tub immediately, cover the toilet lid, and remember to cover the water tanks and wells in and around the home.

04 Can using a swimming ring prevent drowning?

Although a swimming ring can provide buoyancy and reduce the risk of drowning to a certain extent in shallow or calm waters, it is not a professional flotation device and cannot completely replace swimming skills or the ability to respond to emergencies. If the swimming ring is damaged, leaking, or of poor quality, and the user cannot swim or has insufficient self-rescue ability, he or she may not be able to respond to unexpected situations even with a swimming ring.

While enjoying the coolness of summer, safety must be put first. At all times, parents are the first responsible person for their children's safety. Parents or caregivers should always keep in mind the "nine-word formula" for effective child care: close distance, no distraction, and uninterrupted . Through scientific cognition and correct behavior, we can more effectively avoid drowning hazards, build safe waters, and protect life safety.

Planning: Yan Dong

Reviewer: Tang Qin, Deputy Secretary-General of the Expert Committee of the Chinese Medical Association, Senior Researcher, National Health Science Expert

Produced by: Popular Science China x Chinese Medical Association

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