Safety Tips: Drowning is Preventable

It takes only inches of water for a small child to drown so taking extra safety steps at home and around pools, spas and all bodies of water can prevent drowning incidents.

• The majority of deaths and injuries in pools and spas involve children 1-2 years of age and occur in residential settings.
• Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional deaths to children 1-4 years of age.
• Drowning occurs when there is a short lapse in adult supervision.
• Little children drown quickly and silently.

Rule #1 Never leave a child unattended around a pool, spa, bath tub or any other body of water.

• Teach children basic water safety skills.
• Learn how to swim and ensure that your children learn to swim as well.
• Avoid entrapment by keeping children away from pool drains, pipes and other openings.
• Have a phone close by at all times when visiting a pool or spa.
• If a child is missing, look for them in the pool or spa first, including the neighbors' pools or spas.
• Share safety instructions with family, friends, babysitters and neighbors.

If you have a pool:

• Install a 4-foot fence around the perimeter of the pool and spa, including portable pools.
• Use self-closing and self-latching gates.
• If your house serves as the fourth side of a fence around a pool, install and use a door or pool alarm.
• Maintain pool and spa covers in good working order.
• Ensure any pool or spa you use has compliant drain covers.
• Have equipment such as life rings, floats, or a reaching pole available and easily accessible.

At home:

• Always keep young children within arm's reach in a bathtub. If you must leave, take your child with you.
• Don't leave a baby or young child in a bathtub under the care of another young child.
• Never leave a bucket or basin containing even a small amount of liquid unattended.
• Consider placing locks and toilet seat covers in case a young gild wanders into the bathroom.

Read more about drowning prevention.