Drownings in County Declined Last Year

LOS ANGELES —  The number of drowning deaths in Los Angeles County dropped to 91 last year, 26 fewer than in 1997, the Department of Health Services reported.

Statewide, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death to children 14 and younger. Nationally, it is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4.

Since the start of 1999 through last week, the county recorded 39 drowning deaths, but that did not include the 12-year-old girl killed by waves at Manhattan Beach last Friday. The total number is expected to increase dramatically over the summer months because 65% of drownings for all age groups happen in swimming pools, said Maria Iacobo, director of communications for the Department of Health Services.

Among infants, more than half of drownings occur in bathtubs, buckets and toilets. For children 1 to 4, however, more than 85% of deaths occur in pools, and for those over the age of 5, pools and open water sites are the most common areas for drownings.

Even swimming lessons are not a total safeguard; about 25% of children who drown have had lessons.

For adults, specifically senior citizens, the dangers of drowning also exist, particularly for those with high blood pressure, heart conditions or equilibrium problems.

Last year, 21 individuals over age 65 drowned.

Dr. Jonathan E. Fielding, director of the county Department of Public Health, recommends that families take protective safety measures, including installing barriers around pools and spas; alarms on locked gates and power-operated pool covers; door latches out of reach of children; adult supervision; rescue equipment, and knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.