Colin’s Hope Recognizes National Bath Safety Month


For Immediate Release                                                                         January 19, 2023

Contact:  Alissa Magrum

Chair, Central Texas Drowning Prevention Action Team

(512) 294-3910

[email protected]

Contact:  Jennifer Poteat, MSHCT, EMPL

Executive Director, Colin’s Hope

(512) 222-7591

[email protected]

January is National Bath Safety Month

CENTRAL TEXAS – Colin’s Hope and the Central Texas Drowning Prevention Action Team are bringing attention to Bath Safety during January. This reminder to parents, caregivers, and babysitters is to be aware of safer behaviors around water while bathing children:

  • NEVER leave a child alone in or around the bathtub.
  • ALWAYS have an adult “Water Watcher” on duty while water is in the tub. The Water Watcher should remain undistracted and within arm’s reach of all children.
  • Gather bathing supplies – towels, soap, toys, etc. – before filling the bathtub and allowing children into the bathroom.
  • Have a phone with you for emergencies ONLY.
  • If you must leave the bathtub for any amount of time, bring all children with you.
  • Drain the bathtub before you leave the room.

According to the CDC, the highest risk location for drowning for infants under one year of age is the bathtub, where two-thirds of drownings occur.1 

Central Texas Drowning Prevention Action Team Members:

Austin Public Health

Austin Travis County EMS

City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department

Colin’s Hope

Consumer Product Safety Commission

Goldfish Swim School

Dell Children’s Medical Center

Emler Swim School

Live Like Cati

Lower Colorado River Authority

Nitro Swimming

Safe Kids Austin

Texas Parks & Wildlife

The Expedition School

The ZAC Foundation

Travis County Parks

Waterloo Swimming

Williamson County EMS 

YMCA of Austin

About Colin’s Hope:

Colin’s Hope was formed by Jeff and Jana Holst in 2008 after their four-year-old son, Colin Holst tragically drowned in a public pool, with lifeguards on duty and family members present. Our mission is to provide water safety awareness, education, and resources to prevent children from drowning. Our major water safety programs and initiatives are held year-round and across the country. We encourage everyone to learn to be safer around water by visiting the website www.drowningispreventable.org to access free, online resources.

Issue Summary:

Drowning is the #1 cause of death for children ages 1-4 and a leading cause for ages 1-14. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, for each fatal drowning incident, seven more children receive emergency care for submersion injuries.2 While no one is drown-proof, drowning IS preventable.

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