For Immediate Release January 19, 2023
Contact: Alissa Magrum
Chair, Central Texas Drowning Prevention Action Team
(512) 294-3910
Contact: Jennifer Poteat, MSHCT, EMPL
Executive Director, Colin’s Hope
(512) 222-7591
January is National Bath Safety Month
CENTRAL TEXAS – Colin’s Hope and the Central Texas Drowning Prevention Action Team are bringing attention to Bath Safety during January. This reminder to parents, caregivers, and babysitters is to be aware of safer behaviors around water while bathing children:
- NEVER leave a child alone in or around the bathtub.
- ALWAYS have an adult “Water Watcher” on duty while water is in the tub. The Water Watcher should remain undistracted and within arm’s reach of all children.
- Gather bathing supplies – towels, soap, toys, etc. – before filling the bathtub and allowing children into the bathroom.
- Have a phone with you for emergencies ONLY.
- If you must leave the bathtub for any amount of time, bring all children with you.
- Drain the bathtub before you leave the room.
According to the CDC, the highest risk location for drowning for infants under one year of age is the bathtub, where two-thirds of drownings occur.1
Central Texas Drowning Prevention Action Team Members:
Austin Public Health
Austin Travis County EMS
City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department
Colin’s Hope
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Goldfish Swim School
Dell Children’s Medical Center
Emler Swim School
Live Like Cati
Lower Colorado River Authority
Nitro Swimming
Safe Kids Austin
Texas Parks & Wildlife
The Expedition School
The ZAC Foundation
Travis County Parks
Waterloo Swimming
Williamson County EMS
YMCA of Austin
About Colin’s Hope:
Colin’s Hope was formed by Jeff and Jana Holst in 2008 after their four-year-old son, Colin Holst tragically drowned in a public pool, with lifeguards on duty and family members present. Our mission is to provide water safety awareness, education, and resources to prevent children from drowning. Our major water safety programs and initiatives are held year-round and across the country. We encourage everyone to learn to be safer around water by visiting the website www.drowningispreventable.org to access free, online resources.
Issue Summary:
Drowning is the #1 cause of death for children ages 1-4 and a leading cause for ages 1-14. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, for each fatal drowning incident, seven more children receive emergency care for submersion injuries.2 While no one is drown-proof, drowning IS preventable.
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