Experts warn of silent drowning danger ahead of Memorial Day weekend

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- At Valley Children's Hospital, caring for kids who were pulled out from underwater is unfortunately expected, turning a holiday weekend into a nightmare.

Hailey Van Sickle, Clinical Educator for Critical Care, says children who survive will experience a challenging future.

"It's extremely difficult on the families because it's a brain injury and it's going to have lifelong issues for the patient and the family," said Hailey Van Sickle.

She says not all children will make it.

According to the Centers for Disesase Control and prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages five to 14.

The hospital provides detailed information, sharing proactive steps families can take to protect their little ones around pools, lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water.

The advice is Known as the ABC'S of Water Safety.

"A is going to be adult supervision so we want to make sure there is an adult there watching them. B is going to be for barriers so either a fence around the area or a life jacket. And C is going to be for classes," said Van Sickle.

Van Sickle says it's important for children to wear a correctly fitted life vest.

Sgt. Chris Tullus with the Fresno County Sheriff's office also urges everyone to be responsible.

"Make sure you are swimming with a buddy, make sure somebody is paying attention to what you are doing and if you don't know how to swim, do not be in the water," said Sgt. Chris Tullus, "And be careful with the alcohol, if you are drinking and you want to go swimming, probably not a good idea."

Another big note for those of you with boats is to make sure they're ready for the water before you reach the lake, ensuring they have a full tank of gas, among other things.

"Make sure your boat is registered, make sure your boat has the muscles and make sure you have your California boaters safety card," said Tullus.

Water incidents are also silent and can happen in the span of two minutes.

For more tips on how you and your children can stay safe while swimming, click here.

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