Sharjah girl dies after drowning at home

A young girl has died after drowning in a plastic wash basin at her home in Sharjah, in the United Arab Emirates, Gulf News reported, highlighting the risk posed by even small amounts of water to young children. The report did not specify the girl’s age.

The girl’s mother found her face down in the basin after noticing she was missing. The water was less than a quarter of the basin’s depth. The child was taken for emergency medical care, but doctors were unable to revive her.

How did the girl drown at home?

The mother was preparing a meal in the kitchen while keeping an eye on her two children. Her daughter was moving around nearby while her son watched a cartoon.

During a five-minute break in the program, the mother realized the girl was missing. She searched the bedrooms and asked a household helper whether she had seen the child.

After checking the apartment, she entered the bathroom adjoining the living room and found her daughter face down in the plastic basin, which the family used to hand-wash children’s clothes.

The mother immediately lifted the girl and sought help before calling emergency medical services. The child was taken to hospital, where doctors could not save her.

Can a child drown in shallow water?

Yes. Forensic expert Al Dhabah said drowning can occur within minutes and may not involve obvious signs of distress. Young children may be unable to lift their heads or call for help once their faces are submerged.

Drowning does not always involve splashing, shouting or a visible struggle. This can make it difficult for caregivers to recognize an emergency, even when they are nearby.

How can parents reduce the risk of drowning at home?

Parents and caregivers should empty buckets, wash basins, tubs and other water containers immediately after use, and keep them out of young children’s reach. Bathroom doors should be kept closed, with child-safety locks used where appropriate.

Young children require close, continuous supervision around water, including shallow water in household containers. Even a brief lapse in supervision can have serious consequences.