If you are under water long enough, your lungs fill with water and oxygen cannot get into your blood. A lack of blood oxygen can cause brain damage and death. Water in the lungs, especially contaminated water, can damage the lungs.

People can drown in as little as an inch or two of water. Babies can drown in a sink or bathtub. Most preschooler drownings occur in swimming pools. People who have seizure disorders are also at risk in the water. Drowning can happen quickly and silently.

Drowning precautions should include

• Fences around pools
• Supervising children near any body of water, including tubs
• Not swimming or boating when under the influence of alcohol or sedatives
• Wearing life jackets when boating
• Learning CPR