Report says more kids drowning in pools, spas

WASHINGTON (AP) - With the unofficial start of summer upon us, a government report shows an increase in the number of children who drown in swimming pools and spas.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates 319 children under age 5 died in pool and spa incidents in 2005, the latest year for which the agency had information available. That is 74 more deaths than in 2004.

Children between age 1 and 2 account for the majority of deaths, and drowning occurred most often when children were in the water without an adult's knowledge.

Deaths and injuries also resulted when a drain's suction pulls down a child's body or a limb or hair becomes entangled in the drain. The report comes five months after President Bush signed into law a ban on the manufacture, sale or distribution of drain covers that don't meet anti-entrapment safety standards.