Accidental drowning can happen in unexpected places

Accidental drowning is a leading cause of death for Tampa Bay children under the age of 5. Parents and caregivers often think of the pool first as a risk, but drowning can occur in places you don’t normally expect or in places where you’re not as much on your guard: ponds, lakes, beaches and retention ponds.

Buckets, pet water dishes, bathtubs and toilets are often overlooked as a drowning risk, but children younger than 6 months of age can drown in as little as 1 inch of water.

Watch the Children’s Board of Hillsborough County and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on Tampa Bay’s Morning Blend to learn how to prevent accidental drownings.