Preventing Drowning: A Caregiver’s Step-by-Step Guide to Keeping Babies, Toddlers, and Children Safe Around Water
- Allie Saults
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
When it comes to parenting and caregiving, nothing matters more than keeping little ones safe—and water safety should be at the top of every family’s checklist. Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children aged 1–4 and the second leading cause for children aged 5–14. The most heartbreaking part? Many of these tragedies are preventable.
Whether it’s a backyard pool, a bathtub, a beach trip, or a neighbor’s pond, any body of water—big or small—can pose a serious danger. This blog offers a step-by-step guide and essential safety checkpoints to help you confidently prevent drowning and protect the children in your care.
Step 1: Stay Within Arm’s Reach (Constant Supervision)
Checkpoint: Are you always watching without distractions?
Always supervise children when they are in or near water. This includes pools, bathtubs, buckets, ponds, and even toilets.
Designate a “Water Watcher” — an adult who is fully focused on supervising children during water play.
Avoid distractions like phones, conversations, or chores while supervising.
Even strong swimmers need supervision. Drowning is quick and often silent—it only takes seconds for a child to go under.
Step 2: Install Barriers Around Pools and Water Features
Checkpoint: Is your pool or hot tub securely fenced off?
Install a four-sided fence (at least 4 feet high) with self-closing, self-latching gates that isolate the pool from the house and yard.
Use pool alarms and covers as additional layers of protection.
Make sure drain covers are secure to prevent entrapment.
Don’t forget about less obvious hazards like fountains, decorative ponds, or even large pet water bowls.
Step 3: Empty All Standing Water After Use
Checkpoint: Do you always drain tubs, buckets, and kiddie pools right after use?
Immediately drain bathtubs, buckets, kiddie pools, and coolers.
Store items upside down or out of reach to prevent water collection.
Keep bathroom doors closed and install toilet locks if you have toddlers.
A toddler can drown in less than two inches of water—vigilance matters even in the home.
Step 4: Teach Water Safety Early
Checkpoint: Have your children taken swim lessons or safety classes?
Enroll children in age-appropriate swim lessons. Many swim schools offer programs for babies as young as six months.
Teach kids to never swim alone and to ask for adult permission first.
Practice safe water habits through storytelling, songs, or games that emphasize safety.
Swimming lessons don’t replace supervision, but they add an extra layer of protection.
Step 5: Learn CPR and Emergency Preparedness
Checkpoint: Are you trained to respond in case of an emergency?
Take a CPR class certified by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
Keep a portable phone and emergency numbers close to water play areas.
Know how to react quickly: yell for help, remove the child from the water, call 911, and start CPR if needed.
The moments after an incident are crucial—being prepared can save a life.
Step 6: Set Clear Rules and Lead by Example
Checkpoint: Do your children know and follow water safety rules?
Establish clear household rules like “no running near the pool,” “no diving in shallow water,” or “no swimming without an adult.”
Always model good behavior around water—wear life jackets, swim sober, and follow the same rules you expect them to follow.
Consistency and clear expectations help children develop respect for water.
Drowning prevention isn’t just about pools or beach days—it’s about creating a culture of safety wherever water is present. By staying proactive, supervising closely, and educating your children, you can significantly reduce the risk and give your family peace of mind.
Share this checklist with fellow parents, babysitters, and caregivers.
Together, we can help prevent childhood drownings—one safe splash at a time.
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