A 4-year-old girl who nearly drowned on Mother’s Day participated in an event to raise awareness about drowning prevention this summer.
A boy saw his little sister, Destiny Desir, needed help and he rushed to pull her out of the water while shouting her name.
A woman said she heard the terror in the boy’s voice and performed CPR before Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue personnel stepped in.
Broward Health Medical Center treated Destiny and on Monday she was back with her mother and brother for a reunion with all of those involved in her rescue.
FLFR Chief Stephen Gollan hugged Destiny. Dr. Francis Amador, the medical director of the BHMC pediatric emergency department, said the statistics are alarming.
More children ages 1 to 4 die from drowning than any other cause of death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
An estimated 4,000 children die every year from unintentional drowning in the U.S.; that is about 11 children daily nationwide, according to the American Red Cross.
About 88% of child drownings happen with at least one adult present and about 70% happen during “non-swim” times, according to The National Drowning Prevention Alliance, a nonprofit organization that focuses on education.
Here are more of the organization’s safety tips:
SUPERVISION
- An adult should be within arms’ length of infants, toddlers, and children who lack water competency whenever they are in or near water, providing “touch supervision.” Flotation devices are not a substitute for active supervision.
- If a child is missing, always check the water first. Always be aware of where children are and never leave them unattended. Remind guests with children, babysitters, and caregivers about the potential water hazards and the need for constant and capable supervision.
- Swimming near a lifeguard is always recommended. Lifeguards are trained in supervision, water rescue, and emergency response. Caregivers and parents should always maintain active supervision, even when a lifeguard is on duty.
- A designated Water Watcher is a responsible adult who agrees to actively and constantly supervise children when in or around water without engaging in other activities or distractions (such as social media or texting). Designated Water Watchers should rotate every 15 minutes to keep attention fresh.
BARRIERS AND ALARMS
- Choose only safety covers that meet the ASTM International voluntary standard F1346-91. Covers should be properly used and maintained on a regular basis. Rain water that collects on top should be promptly removed. Keep children and pets off all safety covers.
- Power-operated covers are most convenient, allowing for one-handed operation as frequently as needed and it provides both seasonal and daily use.
- Alarms can be added to windows, doors, gates, and the pool to alert unauthorized access to pools and spas.
WATER COMPETENCY
- Speak with your pediatrician before considering any water safety or swimming lessons for children. The AAP recommends starting swim lessons as early as age 1. By taking formal swimming lessons, children ages 1-4 can reduce their drowning risk by 88%. Water competency and swim lessons should be continuous, and not taken for just one season. Skills need to be developed and maintained during the entire year.
- Swimming is not an instinctive skill for humans. We cannot survive in water unless we are taught basic skills. All adults and children should learn these crucial skills as soon as possible. All caretakers must understand that children are never considered “drown proof,” even if they have undergone swim lessons. Nothing will ever eliminate the risk of drowning, but learning to swim equips children with a life-saving layer of protection.
For more information about NDPA safety tips, download this checklist.
