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(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:
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.
Everyone should always swim with a buddy.
Everyone should take formal swimming lessons, especially young children.
Anyone with a seizure disorder should be carefully supervised around water.
Always wear a life jacket when on a boat.
Always build a barrier around pools to protect children, even if they know how to swim.
Don't substitute water toys for life jackets.
Never drink alcohol while boating, swimming or supervising children in the water.
Never let children hold their breath for an extended period under water.
Martin Health System is a not-for-profit, community-based health care organization