HEALTH TOPICS A-Z

Drowning Prevention

Drowning is the second leading cause of injury death among children. Drowning is often swift, silent and occurs in as little as 30 seconds. In addition to adult supervision, life jackets are an important measure all Spokane County residents can take to prevent drowning – on lakes, rivers and in swimming pools.

Get Your Free Child Watcher Tag & Whistle:

A great tool to help adults supervise children in and around water. Designated Child Watcher Tag & Whistle (pdf) Pick one up at Spokane Regional Health District (rm 402) or any of the following locations:

Pool World: Central Spokane, 5701 E. Sprague N. Spokane, 9111 N. Country Homes Blvd. Spokane Valley, 13524 E. Sprague Ave. Coeur d'Alene, 235 W Sunset

 Drowning Prevention & Water Safety Websites:

• CDC Healthy Swimming
• Pool Safely
• Safe Kids - Drowning Prevention
• Safe Kids - Water Safety Guide
• Seattle Children's - Drowning Prevention & Water Safety

Printable Materials:

• Drowning Prevention Tips (pdf)
• Is Your Child Safe from Everyday Drowning Hazards? (pdf)
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Publications
• Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (safety materials)

Local Swimming Lessons:

• Spokane Parks & Recreation
• Spokane County Parks & Recreation
• City of Spokane Valley
• Whitworth University Aquatic Center
• YMCA
• Also check your local phone book listings under "Swimming Instruction"

Pool Fencing Requirements:

• Spokane County - Residential Pool & Spa Barriers
  
• Drowning Facts and Prevention Tips for Homeowners
  
• Above Ground Private Residential Pools and Spas Important Information for Customers

The Inland Northwest Drowning Prevention Coalition
is a group of community organizations and agencies working to raise awareness about water safety and reduce drowning in eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Formed in 1991, the coalition promotes water safety with the Washington State Drowning Prevention Network and the Safe Kids Spokane Coalition. Members participated on the Washington State Child and Youth Open Water Drowning Prevention Task Force to identify polices that would prevent open water drowning among children and teens in Washington state. Read more about the task force recommendations.