Preventing Drowning: Fences, Supervision, Life Jackets and Other Safeguards

More children aged 1–4 die from drowning than from any other cause of death. Drowning happens in seconds and is often silent, and it can happen to anyone, at any time, wherever there is access to water. It can also be prevented, with several layers of protection.

Learn to swim, and water safety

Formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning. But children who have had lessons still need close, constant supervision in and around water. The American Red Cross, the YMCA, the U.S. Swim School Association and USA Swimming all help people find lessons.

Fence the pool on all four sides

Build and use a four-sided fence at least four feet high that fully encloses the pool and separates it from the house, with self-closing, self-latching gates. When the pool is not in use, take away toys that might draw children to it.

Supervise closely

• Name a responsible adult to watch closely and constantly whenever children are in or near water — bathtubs included. You can assign one adult to each child.
• Whoever is watching should avoid distractions such as reading or using a phone, and should not drink alcohol or use drugs: drowning is quick and quiet.
• After swim time, shut and lock doors that lead to water.
• When visiting another home or an unfamiliar place, find out about water hazards in advance.
• Keep watching children closely even when lifeguards are on duty.

Wear a life jacket

Life jackets reduce the risk of drowning while boating for people of every age and swimming ability. Children should wear them for all activities in and around natural water, and weaker swimmers of any age can wear them in natural water and in pools. Air-filled or foam toys are not safety devices and should not be relied on.

Learn CPR

CPR skills could save a life in the minutes before paramedics arrive. Organisations such as the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association offer courses online and in person.

Know the risks of natural water

Lakes, rivers and oceans hide hazards: dangerous currents and waves, rocks, vegetation and poor visibility. Check the forecast before going in, on or near the water; local weather can change fast, bringing flash floods, strong winds and thunderstorms with lightning.

Other precautions

• Avoid alcohol before or during swimming, boating or other water activities, and never while supervising children. It impairs judgement, balance and coordination.
• Use the buddy system. Always swim with someone, and choose places with lifeguards when you can. This matters especially for people with seizure disorders or other conditions that raise the risk of drowning.
• Plan around medical conditions. Someone with a seizure disorder such as epilepsy should have one-on-one supervision around water, and may choose showers over baths. Take extra care with other conditions that raise the risk, such as heart conditions or autism.
• Check your medicines. Avoid swimming if you take medicines that impair balance, coordination or judgement, such as some used for anxiety and other mental health conditions.
• Don't hyperventilate or hold your breath for long underwater. Doing so can make you pass out and drown — sometimes called "hypoxic blackout" or "shallow water blackout."

More help

CDC points to Water Safety USA, a roundtable of national nonprofit and government organisations in drowning prevention; Safe Kids Worldwide; the YMCA; the American Academy of Pediatrics' HealthyChildren.org, with advice in Spanish too, and its 2019 policy statement on drowning prevention; and the Drowning Chain of Survival, five steps to guide prevention, rescue and recovery.

Sources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Preventing Drowning": https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/index.html
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