Drowning Prevention for Babies, Toddlers and Young Children

Drowning is a serious and silent danger, especially for young children. It only takes a few moments and a few inches of water for a tragedy to happen. In Arizona, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-5, making it an important issue for families to know about. The good news is that drowning can be prevented. At Banner Children's, we are dedicated to teaching families how to keep their little ones safe from this danger. By following important safety tips, staying watchful and having multiple layers of protection, we can work together to protect our children around water.

The importance of supervision

Constant adult supervision is the key to keeping young children safe around water. Always designate an adult as the "lifeguard on duty" who is responsible for watching the children. This means giving them your full attention and not getting distracted by other activities.

"Eye to eye" supervision means you should be able to always see the child and be close enough to reach them quickly if needed. Being within arm's reach is essential, especially for toddlers and babies, to ensure you can grab them if they slip or start to struggle.

Never leave a child alone in the bathtub, not even for a moment. Drowning can happen in seconds, so it's important to stay with them and keep your eyes on them the entire time. If you need to leave the room, take the child with you. This simple step can make all the difference in preventing a tragic accident.

Swimming skills for safety

Teaching swimming skills at a young age is one of the best ways to keep your children safe around water. Enroll your kids in swimming lessons as early as possible. These lessons help children learn how to float, swim and understand water safety rules. 

Swimming skills not only help prevent drowning but also build confidence in the water. When children know how to swim, they are better equipped to handle unexpected situations in the water.

It's important that everyone in the family learns to swim, so they can all enjoy water activities safely together. By starting swimming lessons early, you are giving your children a valuable skill that will help keep them safe for a lifetime. 

Keep in mind that knowing how to swim does not make a person drown proof. However, it does add another layer of protection.

Home safety measures

Ensuring safety at home is essential to prevent drowning. Simple steps can make a big difference in keeping your children safe.

• Always empty buckets and other containers right after use and store them upside down. Even a small amount of water can be dangerous for young children.
• Make sure to close and lock toilet lids. Curious toddlers can easily access toilets, and it only takes a little water for them to be at risk. Childproof locks can help keep them safe.
• If you have a pool or spa, install a five-foot-high fence around it. Make sure the fence has a self-closing and self-latching gate to prevent children from wandering into the area unsupervised. This barrier adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring that kids can’t access the pool or spa without an adult present.
• Installing high locks, door handles and alarms on doors leading to back yard will help add another layer of protection.

By taking these home safety measures, you can create a safer environment for your children and reduce the risk of drowning.

Emergency preparedness

Being prepared for an emergency is an important part of water safety. One of the most valuable things you can do is learn and practice CPR. Knowing CPR can save a life if a drowning incident occurs (it must be full CPR respiration and compression). Make sure to take a CPR course and refresh your skills every two years to stay up to date.

It's also important to keep rescue equipment, such as life rings or reaching poles, poolside. Having these tools nearby can make it easier to help someone in trouble. Additionally, always have a telephone and a list of emergency numbers close to the pool area. This ensures you can quickly call for help if needed.

By being prepared and knowing how to respond in an emergency, you can help protect your children and others around water.

Safe practices around water

Follow safe practices whenever you're near water to prevent accidents and keep everyone safe.

• Avoid letting children play around canals. Canals attract children but are very dangerous because of fast currents and deep water. Always supervise children closely and keep them away from these areas.
• When boating or near open bodies of water, make sure everyone wears a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket. These jackets are designed to keep you afloat and are essential, especially for children who may not be strong swimmers.
• Remember, water wings, floaties and air-filled toys are not substitutes for life jackets. These items can deflate or slip off, putting children at risk of drowning.
• Practice a "feet first, first time" approach when entering unfamiliar water or diving. This helps prevent head, neck and spinal injuries, which can occur if you dive into shallow or unknown water.

By following these safety tips, you can enjoy water activities while minimizing the risk of accidents and ensuring everyone's well-being.

Understanding secondary drowning

Secondary drowning can happen hours after a child seems okay following a near-drowning. It occurs when water enters the lungs, causing breathing difficulties and other symptoms. Watch for signs like trouble breathing, chest pain, coughing or extreme tiredness. If your child shows any of these symptoms after being in water, seek medical help right away. 

Fun with safety: water safety coloring sheet

We want your kids to have fun while learning about the importance of water safety and drowning prevention. Print out our coloring sheet to learn about the ABC's of water safety. 

Remember

Drowning can be prevented by taking precautions and staying watchful. By following the safety tips outlined above, parents and caregivers can greatly reduce the risk to their children around water.

Let's ensure our little ones stay safe and happy while enjoying water activities. With proper precautions in place, we can all have peace of mind and cherish these moments with our families.

For more resources or questions regarding swimming lessons and CPR courses, please contact Banner Children’s at 480-412-3306. Taking these courses can provide essential skills to keep your entire family safe around water.

Additional resources

Learn about water safety tips for teens and adults.