VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia — Friday is World Drowning Prevention Day, a global initiative established by the United Nations and World Health Organization to raise awareness about the impact of drownings.
Experts say what might start as a fun occasion in or near the water could become dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 70% of drownings involving children under age 15 occur in residential pools. That grows to 85% for children ages 5 and under.