by Dr. Vinson Diep and Stephanie Lopes
Living in Hawaii, we are surrounded by water with warm weather all year-round. This offers incredible opportunities to interact with water – from fun in the sun at a pool or beach to bathing the sand away in the shower or a bubble bath.
Hawaii parents need to know, however, that “after birth defects, drowning is the number one cause of death in the one- to four-year-old age group,” explains Dr. Vinson Diep, trusted pediatrician with an office at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children.
“When talking about children, water safety is very important because it is essentially 100% preventable,” continues Dr. Diep. “The majority of the near drowning cases that we see in the emergency room are a result of children not being properly supervised at the beach or at the pool, so it is important for parents and adults to understand that supervision is required at all times.”
According to the Hawaii Department of Health Hawaii Injury Prevention Plan, data from 2018 to 2023 revealed that drownings are the 5th leading cause of fatal injuries among Hawaii residents, with an average of nearly 40 deaths a year. When including non-residents, the average annual death toll rises to 83. Most of the fatal drownings in Hawaii were in the ocean, and children under 5 years of age comprised nearly a third of the victims of fatal swimming pool drownings.
What can parents do to keep keiki safe in the bath, pool and ocean? Dr. Diep kindly shares some recommendations.
Be vigilant during a bath – and around any household water.
Before putting a child in water, a bath temperature between 98 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal to prevent any burns. “If you can set a thermostat on the water heater, it’s recommended to set it, so the water temperature does not go above 120 degrees Fahrenheit,” shares Dr. Diep. “To check the temperature of the shower or sink water, use your wrist or elbow before putting your baby in the water; the water should feel close to your body temperature.”
Time-tested bath mats and adult supervision can prevent falling – and potentially drowning – in the bath. “Have non-slip mats inside and outside the bath,” Dr. Diep advises. “Keep plugs out of reach, so kids don’t accidentally plug the drain (and make the water too deep).”
Supervision at all times is important for young children while they are taking a bath or shower. Says Dr. Diep, “Minimize distractions while giving your child a bath. Do not leave children unsupervised, and do not leave the children to be supervised by older siblings.”
Wait until children are at least elementary age to bathe themselves. “(When children are old enough to bathe on their own) depends on the level of maturity of the child,” Dr. Diep discusses. “I would say the best way is to ‘show and tell.’ Demonstrate to your child how to wash, and then let them practice. If children demonstrate they can wash themselves and not skip steps in front of you, then you can allow them to do it themselves.”
Beware of other standing water around the home that could be dangerous for drowning. “Keep bathroom doors closed,” says Dr. Diep. “Drain bath water immediately after a bath. And keep toilet lids closed; some people even install a lock so kids can’t open the seat.”
Adult supervision – along with other water safety measures – are essential when visiting the pool or ocean.
Always assign an adult to be in the water with children. “Supervision is key. Never leave children unsupervised around water,” emphasizes Dr. Diep. “(It’s) best to be with children in the water and always make sure they are within arm’s length. If the parent is unable to be in the water, make sure to assign an adult who is designated to watch the children in the water.”
“If you have a pool at the house, best is to make sure the pool has a fence on all sides that are at least four feet high and with minimal spaces in between the slats. Make sure there is a latch, and the latch is always locked,” adds Dr. Diep.
Swimming lessons and lifejackets are recommended to strengthen children’s water survival skills. “By age four, most children are mature and developmentally ready enough to take swim lessons, but this varies from child to child,” explains Dr. Diep. “Many infants are also doing ISR (infant swimming resource) classes, which are more about survival techniques.”
“I also definitely recommend lifejackets, (and) I feel that it’s always a good idea for parents and adults to learn CPR,” adds Dr. Diep.
Sun protection measures should be taken to protect the body’s largest organ in the Hawaii heat. “Mineral sunscreen (should be used) from ages six months and above. It should be SPF30 and above,” says Dr. Diep. “Cover all parts of children’s body even if it’s not directly exposed. A ‘bucket’ hat or wide-brimmed hat can be worn to cover children’s head, face and neck.”
If in doubt, don’t go out in the ocean. “If the water is rough or there is a heavy shore break, avoid the water,” summarizes Dr. Diep. “Taking your child to a beach with lifeguards is always a good idea.” For more information on Hawaii ocean safety, go to oceansafety.hawaii.gov.
For a medical emergency, always see a trusted healthcare professional. “Drowning incidents require help from a health care professional,” says Dr. Diep. “If a parent worries that their child just swallowed some water or got water in their ears, it’s not an emergency and doesn’t necessarily require them to see their doctor right away.”
If you would like to speak more with Dr. Diep, call 808-945-9955 or email pediatrics@doctordiep.com.