Did you know that every year 300 children under age 5 die and 2,000+ children visit hospital emergency rooms for injuries related to submersion in swimming pools? The simple fact is that pools can be dangerous to young children (and are the leading cause of accidental death) who are under five years old.

Even the smallest of wading pools can drown a young child, for a specific reason. Young children are still developing–their bodies are trying to catch up with their heads. Because of the weight and size of a child’s head, it makes it difficult for them to lift their heads up, should they become submerged under as little as 2 inches of water.

Statistics state that 65% of submersion incidents occur at the child’s home pool, with 33% of the incidents happening in the pool at the home of a relative or friend. Most often, the parents were home, and the children were being supervised by one or both parents, who simply did not expect their child to be near the pool. Toddlers in particular (1-3 years old) are learning new things every day, so their movements are unforeseen. With 75% of incidents occurring in this age-range, toddlers are at the highest risk–a newly acquired skill or developing curiosity leads them to the pool. Another dire result of disregarding the dangers inherent in pools is that many victims don’t die from drowning–but may be severely brain damaged.

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Most of us go about our daily lives lost in thought: our work, our families, what’s for dinner, the price of gas. It is at times like this, when our minds are occupied with everything BUT the present moment, that we are most vulnerable to would-be criminals and most likely to fall victim to hazardous circumstances.

Focus is the most important way to maintain personal safety. It’s the small things that will keep you safe: Remembering where you parked your car, so you don’t have to wander blindly through a dark lot at night. Thinking about the fact that you will be leaving a place alone late at night, and arranging an escort to take you to your car (or parking close to the building to minimize your walk in the dark.) Focusing on your surroundings and assessing your vulnerability requires you to be not only present, but also to think ahead. When you are alone you are most open to mishaps. You need to be on the alert at all times. Note if there is anybody following you. Pay attention to groups who seem to be interested in your movements. Careful observation will alert you if there is a car or van parked right next to yours in a virtually empty lot. Is there a passenger in a parked car sitting next to your driver’s side? Always have your keys in hand when preparing to drive, this way you will not be distracted while digging around for them in a bag or pocket. Lastly, walk as upright and with purpose as possible. Don’t look like a victim.

Being watchful, alert and focused on your safety can keep you safe.