Drowning Prevention
While swimming can be a fun activity to cool down during the summer, it can become dangerous in a matter of seconds. Did you know drowning is the #1 cause of death for children ages 1-4? For children ages 5–14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes.
Even a momentary lapse in supervision can have devastating consequences, leading to severe injury or even death. Always keep an eye on everyone in and around the pool, regardless of their age or swimming ability.
In addition to supervision, it's also important to be prepared in case an emergency does happen. Follow these drowning prevention and response tips below to ensure a safe time at the pool for all.
Note: Layers of protection save lives. No single safety measure is enough. Combine multiple layers for maximum safety.
Constant, Focused Supervision
- Designate a Water Watcher: A "water watcher" is an adult whose only job is to actively watch children in or near the water. Avoid distracting activities like using the phone, reading a book, or consuming alcohol or drugs.
- Touch Supervision: For infants and toddlers, always stay within an arm's reach — be able to touch them at all times.
- In and Out Together: If you leave the pool area, your child leaves with you. No quick "dashes" inside.
- Know Before You Go: When visiting others, ask about pool safety and identify water hazards immediately upon arrival.
Barriers and Alarms for Homes
- Four-Sided Fence: Surround your pool with a fence at least four feet high that completely separates the pool from the house and yard.
- Self-Closing, Self-Latching Gates: Gates must open outward from the pool and have latches out of a child's reach (at least 54 inches from the ground).
- Door and Window Alarms: Install alarms on all door and windows leading to the pool area from your home.
Emergency Preparedness
- Learn CPR: Seconds count in a drowning emergency.
- Keep a Phone Nearby: Have a corded phone or a fully charged cell phone readily available at the poolside with emergency numbers saved.
- Rescue Equipment: Keep life rings, shepherd's hooks or other rescue tools easily accessible near the pool.
- Identify Where You Are: Post your street address clearly near the pool for quick identification by emergency responders.
Swimming Skills and Life Jackets
- Swim Lessons: Enroll in age-appropriate swim lessons. Remember, swim lessons are not drowning-proof.
- U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Life Jackets: For less confident swimmers, ensure they're wearing properly fitted, USCG-approved life jackets in and around water at all times. Water wings and inflatables are not safety devices.
- Teach Pool Rules: Establish clear rules with your children and consistently enforce them (e.g. no running, no diving in shallow ends, always ask permission, no horseplay).