- Children between the ages of 1 and 4 years are
most likely to drown in residential swimming
pools. - Young people between the ages of 15 and 19
are most likely to drown in lakes and rivers,
and ALCOHOL consumption contributes up to
half of their water-related injuries and deaths. - Boating accidents are the most common cause
of submersion injuries among adults. Alcohol
consumption is a factor in nearly half of such
accidents. - Among adolescents and adults, diving into shal-
low water accounts for numerous HEAD AND
SPINAL CORD INJURIES.
Three of four people who drown are adults.
Even capable swimmers can experience exhaus-
tion, MUSCLEcramps, and other challenges. Many
people who die in boating accidents are not wear-
ing personal flotation devices (PFDs) or lack other
water safety devices that could have prevented
their deaths. Alcohol consumption and swimming
or boating factors in about 40 percent of water-
related injuries among adolescents and adults.
KEY MEASURES FOR PREVENTING DROWNING- Learn to swim.
- Learn CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION(CPR).
- Wear or use appropriate flotation devices when engaged in
water activities such as boating. - Closely supervise children in and near water, including
pools, lakes, and rivers. - Do not drink ALCOHOLwhen participating in activities on or
in the water.
See also COLD WATER DROWNING; HYPOTHERMIA;
SPINAL CORD INJURY; TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY(TBI);
WARM WATER DROWNING.youth high-risk behavior The US Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Youth
Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) moni-
tors behaviors among young people that can
adversely affect their health. Key areas of focus
include TOBACCO use, substance abuse, sexual
activity, PREGNANCY, violent behavior, ACCIDENTAL
INJURIES, physical inactivity, EATING HABITS, and
attempted suicide. YRBSS data help public health
organizations develop intervention strategies and
programs to reduce adverse health consequences
among youth. The CDC surveys students in mid-
dle schools and high schools throughout the
United States to collect YRBSS data.HIGH-RISK HEALTH BEHAVIORS AMONG YOUTH
anabolic steroid use binge drinking
carrying a weapon cigarette smoking
does not drink milk does not eat fruit, vegetables
drinking and driving failure to wear bike helmet
fast food consumption fighting
ILLICIT DRUG USE lack of seat belt use
laxatives or diet aids to multiple sex partners
lose weight no regular physical
nonsmoking TOBACCOuse exercise
overweight or obese regular ALCOHOLconsumption
riding with intoxicated driver sexual activity without a
suicide ideation or attempts condomSee also LIFESTYLE AND HEALTH; HEALTHY PEOPLE
2010.50 Preventive Medicine