Bathtub drownings: report of seven cases

Abstract

The domestic bathtub is an important site for infant drownings. A total population study of drowning and near-drowning accidents involving Honolulu infants has enabled the risks to be specified with greater detail. A series of seven consecutive bathtub immersion accidents is presented. The "at risk" profile comprises highly mobile families of lower socioeconomic status; usually younger siblings in larger families are involved and often the father had immediate care of the infant at the time of the accident. Another case of bathtub immersion as a form of nonaccidental injury is described. In five of the other six cases reported, the drowned child was left attended by an older sibling. Preventive strategies are discussed.