Drowning Prevention Guide

Reviewed by health expert Sally Russell, MN, CMSRN, CNE

Drowning prevention isn’t just handy if you own a pool. It can take place in just inches of water.¹ Even if you don’t think you or your family are likely to be in a situation where a drowning may occur, you might be at some point. It’s the fourth leading cause of death around the home.

Our guide can help you prevent a drowning situation for children and adults at home, the lake, or the pool.

There are some quick and fast rules for preventing childhood drowning:

• Teach water safety.
• Get swim education early.
• Always supervise children around the water.
• Fence off swimming pools and keep them locked.
• Be aware of less obvious dangers around the home.
• Keep bath time safe.
• Use motion sensors.

Teaching children about water safety and pool safety early is essential. Health expert and mother of two, Sally Russell, MN, CMSRN, CNE, says that if you live near a lake, pond, or a pool, you should develop a routine of always putting a swim jacket on your child before going to that area.

Here are some additional ways to keep children safe around pools and lakes.

Swimming lessons at a very early age reduce the risk of drowning in children and teens.² Even babies can learn how to swim in specialized classes.

You may also consider lifeguard training for teens. This added layer of education can teach your teen how to react and help in a water emergency, which is useful whether they want a job at the local pool this summer or not.

No matter what, adult supervision is key when it comes to kids and water. It can take just seconds for a child to get into a drowning situation. 

Fencing is an excellent way to prevent kids from accessing your home’s pool. For the fence to work, make sure it’s always locked when the pool is not in use. Beware, though. Some children will figure out how to scale a locked fence, so it’s not foolproof protection.

There are various safety products you can add to your pool too. These pool accessories will alert you when a child is alone near the water.

Even if you don’t own a pool, there are still drowning dangers around your home:

• Kiddie pools
• Ponds
• Water features
• Toilets
• Large buckets
• Hot tubs and jacuzzis
• Ditches around your yard after it rains
• Open wells (these should be fitted with a childproof cover)

Also, there are some unexpected ways kids can access drowning hazards. Be sure to keep pet doors locked to prevent escapes to the outdoors. And ensure that screen doors and window screens don’t have holes that small children can climb through too. 

75% of infant drownings happen in a bathtub.² Never step away, even for a second, when bathing babies and young children. Remember, even if you only put a little water in the tub, a human can drown in just an inch of water. Also, don’t trust a baby bath seat to keep your tot upright in the water. These chairs can tip over, even when suctioned to the floor of the tub.

You shouldn’t just worry about tub drownings during bath time. A tricky tot can wander into the bathroom and attempt to start their own baths. Even babies as young as 10 to 18 months can climb into a bathtub.⁶ Childproof bathroom door handles and make sure the doors are always closed.

Learn more about bathroom safety for kids.

Besides learning how to swim, there are several other ways adults can stay safe while having fun.

Opt for a non-alcoholic beverage when you’re swimming, hanging out on the boat, or lounging around the pool. Alcohol usage is a factor in up to 70% of adolescent and adult water-recreation deaths.²

There are several reasons why alcohol and water don’t mix. It impairs your balance and coordination so you’re more likely to fall in and not be able to get back out. It also impairs judgment, so you’re more likely to do something risky.

Some prescriptions increase the likelihood of drowning. Check with your doctor to see if your prescription may inhibit your motor skills or your ability to think clearly.

It’s a myth that all cats and dogs can swim. They need supervision and protection, just like a young child. Here’s how to keep your pet safe:

• Don’t leave pets alone around water where they can be submerged. 
• Get your pet a flotation device for trips to the lake, beach, or swimming pool. 
• Sign your dog up for swimming lessons or teach them how to swim.
• Install a pet-safe ramp or swimming pool ladder so your pet can climb out if they fall in the water.

• Safety Guide for Summer
• The Safest Cities to Raise a Child
• 7 Simple Ways to Keep Kids Safe When Playing
• 9 Ways to Make Your Backyard a Safer Place to Play
• Baby Proof It: A Room-By-Room Guide to Securing Your Home

1. The YMCA, “Drowning Facts.” Accessed June 29, 2022.
2. CDC, “Drowning Facts," March 2022. Accessed June 29, 2022.
3. WHO, “Drowning,” April 2021. Accessed June 29, 2022.
4. University of Utah Health, “What Does Drowning Look Like?” August 2015. Accessed June 29, 2022.
5. Cleveland Clinic, “‘Dry Drowning’: Separating Fact From Fiction,” September 2020. Accessed June 29, 2022.
6. Sarah A Denny, MD, FAAP, et al., Journal of The American Academy Of Pediatrics, “Prevention of Drowning,” August 2021. Accessed June 29, 2022.