Medical contributions and review by Esther Kim Liu, MD, FAAP.
Hundreds of children die each year from drowning, but these tragic deaths could be prevented. Being aware of your environment and learning water safety can help save lives. Learn more tips from one of our pediatricians.
Drowning can happen silently and suddenly. It is a tragic accident, particularly if a child is involved. Unfortunately, it is the number one cause of death, after birth defects, for children ages one to four. In addition, about 136 children ages five to nine and 370 children and teens ages 10-19 drown each year. Drowning can occur in as little as one to two inches of water! Here are simple steps every adult can take to help prevent a child from drowning.
Bathtub Safety
New parents and babysitters of infants, crawlers and toddlers should stay within arm’s reach at any time the child is near water, including bathtubs. Never leave small children alone in the tub – even if they are on a bath ring or bath seat. These will not keep the baby safe from drowning. An adult, not another child, should watch the infant at all times. Always empty the tub after a bath. It is also important to keep bathroom doors latched with a doorknob cover, and it is a good idea to install a toilet latch to keep small children safer at home.
Pool Safety
Wading pools are another possible danger. Closely watch all children when they are in or near a wading pool. Empty the pool completely after each use.
Swimming pools are a great way to cool off in the hot summer weather. It is important to keep young children in a Coast Guard-approved life jacket until they are old enough to swim independently. Floaties will not save a child from drowning. Additionally, small children should always be within arm’s length or held. If an older child does not know how to swim well, they should also wear a life jacket when in or near water.
Water Safety
It is critical that every child know how to swim and learn water safety. Start swim lessons as soon as possible. Many swim schools offer programs for parents and infants, teens, and older adults. Find these programs at local swim schools, recreation centers, park districts or summer camps. Another important step is to enroll in ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) instruction. This program equips children to be “aquatic problem solvers,” teaching them safety and how to avoid or survive an aquatic accident. ISR is not just for infants and toddlers – it benefits children of all ages.
Lakes and rivers are a common site of teen drowning. Ensure a responsible adult is supervising at all times. The child/teen should always wear a life jacket and not rely on an inflatable raft or life preserver. Teach them to identify riptides and hidden obstacles. Always choose safe places to swim.
Water Watchers
Children of all ages must be supervised when in or near water. Assign a “water watcher” and take turns with other adults to prevent fatigue. This person must pay constant attention to all children near or in the water. Water watchers should put down their cell phones, avoid other activities, and supervise, even when lifeguards are present. It is also beneficial to know CPR in case of an emergency.
Water Sources
For children who can walk or wander, it is important to watch them closely when they are near a well, an open posthole, or an irrigation or drainage ditch. Infants and toddlers should not have access to a bucket of water either. Surround swimming pools, whether in-ground or above-ground, on all four sides by a four-foot-tall fence that cannot be climbed with a self-latching lock that opens outward. In addition, use safety gates or lock the yard door to prevent children from wandering out of the house unnoticed. If a child goes missing, always check water areas first.
The first step to saving a child from drowning is awareness of the environment, and then taking these precautions to help prevent tragedy from happening.
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