Preventing Drowning in Older Adults

Staying active and enjoying water-related activities like swimming, boating, or bathing can provide significant physical and mental health benefits as people age. But enjoying these pleasures as years go on requires caution. While drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages one to four, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adults 65 years of age and older had the second highest rate of drowning.

Continue reading to learn more about drowning risks for older adults and how understanding water safety measures can help prevent accidents, keeping seniors safe in and around water.

Why Water Safety Is Critical for Seniors

Water safety is an often overlooked issue for older adults, but it is essential to address due to the unique risks they face. Several factors contribute to a higher drowning risk in seniors, making it crucial for caregivers, family members, and seniors themselves to take proactive measures.

• Declining Mobility: As people age, joint stiffness, arthritis, and reduced flexibility can make it difficult to move efficiently in the water. Seniors may struggle to exit pools or recover from slips, increasing the risk of drowning.
• Chronic Health Conditions: Conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s or dementia) can impair coordination, endurance, and cognitive awareness, making swimming or simple water activities more dangerous.
• Medication Side Effects: Many seniors take medications that can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or confusion. These side effects can significantly impact balance and reaction times, increasing the likelihood of accidents in or around water.
• Reduced Muscle Strength: Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia) weakens the body’s ability to tread water, maintain balance, or respond quickly to sudden changes in movement, making falls and fatigue in water more likely.

5 Common Risk Factors for Senior Drowning

1. Decreased Mobility and Balance Issues: Conditions like arthritis, neuropathy, and muscle weakness can make it harder to stay stable in water.
2. Chronic Health Conditions: Heart disease, diabetes, and cognitive impairments (such as dementia) can increase drowning risk.
3. Medication Side Effects: Some medications cause dizziness, drowsiness, or disorientation, leading to dangerous situations in water.
4. Reduced Swimming Ability: Many older adults haven’t practiced swimming in years or may never have learned safe water techniques.
5. Cold Water Shock and Fatigue: Sudden immersion in cold water can lead to shock, disorientation, or exhaustion, increasing the risk of drowning.

Water Safety Tips for Seniors

Many water safety measures for older adults are the same as those recommended for people of all ages. These include:

Choose Supervised Swimming Areas

Always swim in designated areas with lifeguards or with a trusted companion. Public pools, senior-friendly aquatic centers, and well-maintained home pools with supervision are the safest options.

Use Proper Safety Equipment

Wear a Life Jacket: This is especially important for seniors boating or swimming in open water.

Use Pool Safety Rails and Ladders: Ensure easy entry and exit from pools.

Install Non-Slip Surfaces: Slippery pool decks and bathtubs pose a significant fall risk.

Stay Hydrated and Avoid Alcohol

Dehydration can cause dizziness, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Alcohol impairs balance and judgment, making water activities riskier.

Be Aware of the Water Temperature

Cold water can cause hypothermia or shock, making it difficult to move or call for help. Therefore, it is essential to always check the water temperature before entering.

Take Swimming Lessons for Seniors

Many community centers and organizations offer swimming classes specifically for older adults. These programs help build confidence and teach essential survival skills.

Install Home Pool Safety Features

If you have a home pool, implement these measures:

• Fencing with self-latching gates
• Motion sensor alarms for pool access
• Pool covers, when not in use

Practice Safe Bathing Habits

Install grab bars in bathrooms

Use non-slip mats in tubs and showers

Consider shower chairs to prevent falls

Know the Signs of Drowning

Drowning doesn’t always look like loud splashing or calling for help. Signs include:

• Head low in the water with the mouth at the water level
• Gasping for air
• Arms moving as if climbing an invisible ladder
• Unable to call for help or wave for assistance

Emergency Response: What to Do If a Senior Is Drowning

1. Call 911 immediately
2. Use a reaching tool or flotation device to assist if in a pool or open water
3. Perform CPR if the person is unconscious and not breathing (learn proper techniques from the Red Cross CPR Guide here)
4. Stay with the person until emergency responders arrive

Help Us Prevent Drowning

Water activities can be enjoyable and beneficial for seniors, but safety precautions must be taken seriously. By following these guidelines, older adults can continue to experience the physical and emotional benefits of swimming and water-based recreation safely.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.