January is National Bath Safety Month. Did you know that drowning is ranked fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States? One in five people that pass away from drowning are typically children 14 and younger, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). National Bath Safety Month occurs every January to bring awareness to protecting ourselves, and our loved ones, from any harmful injuries that might occur in and around the bath.
Bath Safety Tips for the Whole Family
Bathing is a custom routine activity and we may neglect to think about the potential dangers. However, the bathroom is one of the most dangerous places in our homes because it is we are more prone to falling and suffering burns.
Here are four tips that help reduce the risk of injury in the bath:
- Prevent slips – Young children and older adults may not have the strength or coordination to keep their balance in the bath. Consider placing a non-slip mat, handlebar, or chair in and out of the bathtub or shower to prevent falls.
- Childproof the bathroom – Beware of sharp objects such as razors, tweezers, or bath toys with hard edges that can be hazardous to your child if they play with them or fall onto them.
- Monitor your child – Children four years or younger should always be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or caregiver at all times. Accidents can happen in an instant. Do not leave your child unattended.
- Test the water temperature – Before entering the bath or shower, test the water with your fingers to make sure it is at the appropriate temperature. Water that is too hot can cause severe burns.
- Beware of whirlpool jets/drain – If your bathtub has spa features such as Jacuzzi jets, it is important to monitor your child at all times. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has reported 43 incidents (12 deaths) where an individual’s hair was sucked into the drain of the spa, Jacuzzi, or whirlpool dangerously causing the individual’s head to be held underwater.
Following these simple steps is a great way to take precautions and avoid any harmful injury. If you or loved one experiences an injury such as a severe fall, be sure to seek immediate assistance.
At Panter, Panter & Sampedro, we are dedicated to protecting Florida’s families. If you have been seriously injured due to the negligence of another person, business, or product, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses. Contact us at (305) 662-6178 for a free consultation.
References:
4 Tips for National Bath Safety Month (n.d.) Retrieved January 9, 2020 from https://scholastic.com/parents/family-life/parent-child/4-tips-national-bath-safety-month.html
