A four year old child drowned Wednesday in Rome.
Floyd County 9-1-1 received a call that evening reporting a child being found unconscious in a pool by his mother.
Levi Waln was pronounced dead around 9:00 that night at Floyd Medical Center.
The Georgia Department of Public Health says that drowning is the second leading cause of death for children between the ages of one and four.
The department has issued what is known as the “SPLASH” initiative to prevent drowning – here are some of the guidelines:
Parents and guardians are encouraged to follow these tips when enjoying water play:
- Supervision – Designate an adult to watch children at all times. Never assume that someone else is watching.
- Prevention – Install fencing around pools and use drain covers in hot tubs and pools.
- Life jackets save lives – Wear them, and be sure your children do so when out on the open water.
- Arm’s Length – Adults should always be arm’s length to children in the water.
- Swim Lessons – Knowing how to swim greatly reduces the chance of drowning. Classes are often available through the Red Cross or YMCA.
- Have a Water Safety Plan – Know what to do during a water emergency.
The investigation into Wednesday’s drowning continues.
(WRGA/www.wrgarome.com)