CHICAGO (AP) — A Chicago hospital that has seen a surge in children who almost drowned is issuing a safety reminder.
Nine patients were treated at Children's Memorial Hospital's emergency room in a two-week period after nearly drowning. That compares to just one last year and six in all of 2008.
The accidents took place in backyard pools, public pools and bathtubs.
Doctors say never swim alone. And children under age 14 should always have an adult present. Children can drown in a matter of seconds, so they need constant supervision in the water.
About 800 children die from drowning each year nationwide. And most cases occur in May through August.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
