June and July are peak times for the nation’s top killer of children ages 1 to 4.
That’s why Dr. Jennifer Bales, the health officer for Wayne County, took time during the June 10 Board of Health meeting to discuss drowning. Bales provided information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Indiana Board of Health, and National Drowning Prevention Alliance.
More than 4,000 people drown each year in the United States, and those drownings can happen in as little as 30 seconds, Bales said. Almost 70% of drownings occur during non-swim times and 88% occur with at least one adult present.
Bales highlighted strategies to prevent drownings. First, home pools should have barriers and alarms to reduce the drowning risk. Four-sided fencing with self-locking gates should surround the pools, which should have covers and alarms.
There should be ample supervision when children are enjoying water. When a pool is in use, a “water watcher” — a lifeguard — should be solely concentrating on the swimmers, Bales said.
Water competency also is important, Bales said, noting 55% of adults have never had swim lessons. Children should learn to swim, and swim lessons are available through Richmond Parks and Recreation Department at Cordell Pool, Earlham College, Golay Community Center in Cambridge City, and YMCA in Preble and Randolph counties.
Life jackets should be worn around open water. Floaties and water wings are not sufficient to provide safety.
Know water rescue and CPR skills and have a phone available to call 911. Bales said CPR classes are available locally through the Wayne County Health Department, the Neighborhood Health Center and Reid Health.
Bales also noted that water and alcohol are a bad combination.
Other issues
- Dr. Paul Rider, the board chair, thanked Jeff Butler for his dedication to the board, especially during the split of the health department and Well Care. Butler now lives in Indianapolis nearer to grandchildren and must vacate his board seat. “It’s been a real joy to serve on the board,” Butler said.
- The board voted to recommend Rodger Smith and Brandon Guth to Wayne County Council as prospective replacements for Butler. Council will then make a recommendation to the county commissioners for the final appointment.
- Although a new public health nurse has been hired, the health department continues to search for a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant to work eight to 12 hours a week focusing on hepatitis C and HIV.
A version of this article appeared in the June 18 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.