You never think it will happen to you, yet drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental injury-related deaths worldwide, especially for children. It happens quickly and usually silently, without much splashing or warning. All it takes is a moment of distraction. That’s why prevention measures are essential, especially at home. With some simple steps and awareness, you can make your home and surroundings much safer for everyone.

Keep reading for practical drowning prevention strategies you can implement today. These measures could be lifesaving, particularly if you have young children, elderly family members, or people with limited swimming skills.

Supervise Water Activities Closely

Supervision is the most effective way to prevent drowning. Children should always be supervised by an adult when they are near water, whether it’s a backyard pool, a bathtub, or a natural body of water.

• Designate a Water Watcher: Always assign an adult to actively watch children in and around the water. Water watchers should avoid distractions like phones, books, or chores. Consider using a “water watcher” tag to designate responsibility for gatherings.
• Know the Signs of Drowning: Unlike in movies, drowning can happen quickly and silently. Familiarize yourself with the signs of drowning, like gasping, struggling to stay above water, or appearing to be “climbing an invisible ladder.” 

Install Barriers Around Pools and Water Features

Barriers are essential, especially if you have a home pool or any accessible body of water.

• Fencing Requirements: Install a fence at least four feet high around pools or water features. Gates should be self-closing and self-latching, with latches out of children’s reach.
• Pool Covers and Alarms: Use a sturdy pool cover when the pool is not in use, and consider adding pool alarms to alert you if someone enters the water unexpectedly.

Learn CPR and First Aid

CPR can make the difference between life and death in drowning incidents. Knowing basic first aid ensures you’re prepared if the worst happens.

• Take a CPR Course: Many organizations, like the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association, offer CPR courses for adults and children. Regular refresher courses help keep your skills up-to-date.
• First Aid Kits: Keep a first-aid kit near pools and water areas and ensure it includes items for immediate intervention in case of water emergencies.

Encourage Water Safety Skills

Swimming lessons can significantly reduce the risk of drowning. Teaching water safety early equips children with essential skills to protect themselves.

• Enroll in Swimming Lessons: Swimming skills improve water safety for children and adults. Studies show that children ages 1-4 can benefit from formal swimming lessons, which have been shown to reduce drowning risks.
• Practice Floating and Treading Water: Teach your children to float and tread water, skills that can buy them precious time in an emergency.

Secure Bathtubs and Household Water Sources

Even small amounts of water can pose a risk, particularly for young children.

• Never Leave Children Unattended in Bathtubs: Drowning can happen in as little as two inches of water. Stay within arm’s reach of young children in the bath, and drain the tub immediately after use.
• Use Toilet Locks and Drain Covers: Secure lids on toilets and consider locks if you have young children. Cover and secure drains in basements or garages to prevent accidental access to standing water.

Be Mindful Around Natural Water Sources

If you live near lakes, rivers, or beaches, be aware of additional water safety precautions for these environments.

• Know Local Water Conditions: Water currents, temperature, and depth can vary significantly, especially in natural bodies of water. Check for safety signs and avoid swimming in areas with strong currents or high waves.
• Use Life Jackets When Necessary: Life jackets aren’t just for boats; they can be helpful in many water activities. Look for Coast Guard-approved life jackets, especially for children.

Educate Your Children About Water Safety

Empowering children with water safety knowledge can make them more aware of risks and ways to stay safe.

• Set Clear Rules: Establish rules such as “no swimming without an adult,” “no running near pools,” and “don’t push or dunk others in the water.”
• Practice Emergency Scenarios: Role-play different scenarios so children know what to do if they or someone else is in trouble.

Install Safety Equipment

Having the right equipment on hand can improve your response time in emergencies.

• Safety Ring Buoys and Life Hooks: Keep life-saving equipment near the pool and ensure family members know how to use it.
• Add Anti-Entrapment Drain Covers: To prevent underwater suction accidents, ensure your pool has anti-entrapment drain covers that comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act. 

Help Us Prevent Drowning

Drowning prevention begins with awareness and proactive measures. By setting up barriers, supervising closely, and educating family members, you can create a safe environment at home and minimize the risks of water-related accidents. While these measures are particularly vital if you have a pool, bathtub, or natural water source nearby, they also provide an essential foundation for water safety whenever you venture outside the home.

Together, we can end the heartache of losing a loved one due to drowning. Take our Water Safety Challenge to measure your family’s or community’s water safety competence, and help us provide water safety outreach to schools and community groups to keep everyone safe.