Pandemic leads to more accidental drownings

The Tampa Bay region had an increase in preventable deaths in March 2020. The Prevent Needless Deaths campaign is attributing the rise in accidental drownings to COVID-related reasons.

During the pandemic, more people are staying at home, but they’re often distracted and overwhelmed with virtual learning and working at home, or dealing with furloughs and job loss. It’s easy to think another family member is watching a toddler who slips out to the family pool unnoticed.

Door alarms and pool fences can be a barrier of protection that keeps young children from reaching a pool or body of water. It’s an important step in keeping kids safe, says Dexter Lewis, public relations manager for the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County.

Learn tips for drowning prevention by watching the ABC Action News story.