The two-year old toddler that was found by family members nearly-drowned at Oak Hill Memorial Park has died. He was taken off life support, his heart had stopped. Physicians had declared he was brain-dead prior to his passing.
Young Aizik Buno was found unconscious in man-made pond located on the grounds of the funeral home. He was last seen playing with other children. His family was attending an afternoon funeral service for his great-grandfather. He was rushed emergently to the hospital where ultimately he succumbed to his injuries.
Drowning causes approximately 27% of deaths in toddlers. Toddlers are at the highest risk of drowning across the lifespan of children. They do not have the developmental ability to swim, nor can they keep their heads above water, or know how to get out of water. Young children can drown in very shallow water, including pails of liquid, toilets, bathtubs and baby pools. Drowning is the second leading cause of deaths related to injuries after motor vehicle accidents. According to the CDC, children between the ages of one and four years of age are more likely to drown in swimming pools and hot tubs. Mortality rates secondary to drowning are three times higher for males. Approximately 78% of drowning victims are male. Unlike adults, young children do not call out for help while in distress, they generally drown silently. Near-drowning accidents can result in permanent brain damage. For every child that drowns there are approximately five near-drowning episodes in children. Drowning is the second highest cause of injury-related deaths in children between the ages of one and nine years old.To prevent tragedies such as the tragic loss of Aizik Buno, supervise toddlers at all times while they are playing near water. Stationary pools should have a locked fences around them. Personal well-fitting flotation devices should be on all children that are passengers of boats. Never leave a toddler unsupervised in a bath tub. Unlike adults, young children do not call out for help while in distress, they generally drown silently. Supervision is very important, for this reason. Lapses in adult supervision, even while parents are around, are very common features of drowning accidents. Introducing swimming lessons and water safety at a young age will reduce the likelihood of drowning or near-drowning mishaps through the child's lifespan.
