Effect of submersion injury on water safety practice after the event in children, Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE: To bring to light issues surrounding water safety practices and the impact of such incidents on these practices in our community.

METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study at King Abdul-Aziz Medical City, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia of all children <12 years of age presenting with submersion injury in the period between January 1999 through December 2004 noting the demographics and the pattern of water safety practices prior to and after event.

RESULTS: A total of 29 patients were included. The majority of incidents took place in swimming pools. Water safety practices were lacking in most cases as evidenced by the fact that 87% of the victims were not properly supervised at the time of the event. None of swimming pools met the required safety regulations. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation knowledge was virtually nonexistent. The event did not have a positive impact on the water safety practices of the affected families.

CONCLUSION: Submersion injury is also prevalent in land locked areas. Water safety practices are deficient in our community. Submersion injury was not enough to have a consistent positive impact on water safety practices of the affected families. Much can be carried out to improve water safety and save lives.