Updated
How can I stop my child from drowning?
Drowning happens in seconds and is often silent, but close supervision and simple steps can prevent it.
Your child is not the general case. Ask about yours →
What it is
Drowning is a leading cause of death in young children. More children aged 1 to 4 die from drowning than from any other cause of death [2]. Drowning happens in seconds and is often silent, so you may not hear splashing or calls for help [2]. It can happen to anyone, at any time there is access to water [2].
Water does not only mean pools, lakes or the sea. Children can drown in bathtubs and other water around the home, so supervision is needed there too [6].
Some children and adults are at higher risk. This includes people with a seizure disorder such as epilepsy, heart conditions, or autism [4]. Medicines that affect balance, coordination or judgement also raise the risk, including some used for anxiety and other mental health conditions [5].
What you can do at home
- Always have a responsible adult watching closely and constantly when children are in or near water, including bathtubs [6].
- Assign a specific adult to supervise each child when they have access to water [6].
- Adults watching children should avoid distracting activities like reading, using the phone, and drinking alcohol or drugs [6].
- Adults should supervise children closely even when lifeguards are present [6].
- After swim time, shut and lock doors that give access to water [6].
- Learn about water risks when visiting another home or an unfamiliar place [6].
- Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning, but children who have had lessons still need close and constant supervision [2].
- Build a four-sided fence at least four feet high that fully encloses the pool, separating it from the house, with self-closing and self-latching gates [7].
- Remove all toys from the pool area that might attract children when the pool is not in use [7].
- Use life jackets for children for all activities in and around natural water [8].
- Do not rely on air-filled or foam toys, as these are not safety devices [8].
- Avoid alcohol before or during swimming, boating or other water activities, and do not drink alcohol while supervising children [9].
- Always swim with a buddy, and choose swimming sites with lifeguards when possible [9].
- Check the forecast before activities in, on or near water, because conditions can change quickly [9].
- Do not hyperventilate before swimming underwater or hold your breath for long periods, as this can cause you to pass out and drown [5].
- If you or a family member has a seizure disorder, use one-on-one supervision around water, and consider taking a shower rather than a bath [4].
- Learn CPR, because your skills could save someone’s life in the time it takes for paramedics to arrive [8].
When to see a doctor or go to the emergency department
Drowning happens quickly and quietly, so act at once if a child is missing near water or is found in the water [2][6]. Call your local emergency number and start rescue efforts. CPR skills can save a life while you wait for help to arrive [8].
After any incident where someone has been in the water and is not breathing normally or is unwell, get medical help immediately. Do not wait to see if they improve on their own.
Common questions
Can drowning really happen without any noise? Yes. Drowning happens in seconds and is often silent [2]. This is why constant, close supervision matters more than listening for splashing.
Are swimming lessons enough to keep my child safe? No. Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning, but children who have had lessons still need close and constant supervision in or around water [2].
Do life jackets replace supervision? No. Life jackets reduce the risk of drowning while boating for people of all ages and swimming abilities, and children should use them for all activities in and around natural water [8]. Supervision is still needed.
What if my child has epilepsy or another condition? Have one-on-one supervision around water, and consider a shower instead of a bath [4]. Take extra care if there is a heart condition or autism [4]. The buddy system is especially useful for people with seizure disorders or other conditions that increase drowning risk [9].
What about medicines? Avoid swimming if you take medicines that impair balance, coordination or judgement, because these side effects increase the risk of drowning [5].
Sources
[2] CDC — “Preventing Drowning”, section “Preventing Drowning Key points”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/index.html [4] CDC — “Preventing Drowning”, section “Take additional precautions for medical conditions”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/index.html [5] CDC — “Preventing Drowning”, section “Consider the effects of medications”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/index.html [6] CDC — “Preventing Drowning”, section “Supervise closely”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/index.html [7] CDC — “Preventing Drowning”, section “Build fences that fully enclose pools”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/index.html [8] CDC — “Preventing Drowning”, section “Wear a life jacket”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/index.html [9] CDC — “Preventing Drowning”, section “Know the risks of natural waters”, p. 1 — https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/index.html
This guide summarises published paediatric guidelines. It is not medical advice and does not replace your paediatrician. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
Free, no ads and no accounts — so a family who cannot pay for a paediatrician can still ask. If it helped you, help keep it that way. Support →