Water Safety Tips: Preventing Drowning and Responding to Emergencies

May is National Water Safety Month, a time to highlight the importance of keeping kids safe around water. As summer approaches, more families are heading to pools, beaches, and lakes, which also means an increased risk of water-related accidents. Drowning is one of the leading causes of death for young children in the United States. It often happens quickly and silently, even when adults are nearby.

Understanding how to prevent drowning and how to respond in an emergency with CPR can help save lives. These simple steps can help parents and caregivers feel more prepared when it comes to child pool safety and water emergencies.

Supervision Is the First Line of Defense

Constant, undistracted adult supervision is the most important part of drowning prevention. Children should always be watched while swimming, even if they know how to swim. A responsible teenager or adult needs to be within arm’s reach in the pool or body of water at all times for children 8 years and under. You can also designate someone as the "Water Watcher" during swim time to avoid distractions. Drowning can happen in as little as 30 seconds, so focused attention is key.

Secure Home Pools and Water Sources

Backyard pools, hot tubs, and even bathtubs should be protected with safety features. Fences at least four feet high with self-latching gates help prevent unsupervised access. Pool alarms, locked doors, and safety covers can add extra layers of protection. Smaller water hazards like kiddie pools and water buckets should be emptied immediately after use.

Teach Kids Basic Water Safety Skills

Did you know formal swim lessons reduce drowning risk in children ages 1–4 by 88%? Parents can start swim lessons as early as age one. I started Mommy and Me swim lessons with my son when he was 6 months old. The sooner your child gets accustomed to the water, the less fear they will have as they grow older.

Swimming lessons help children build confidence and learn how to stay safe in the water. Children should know how to float, tread water, and get to the edge of a pool. Water safety skills are an important part of overall drowning prevention.

CPR for Infants, Children, and Water Emergencies

In a drowning emergency, CPR can make the difference between life and death. Bystander CPR helps keep oxygen flowing until professional help arrives. It is especially important to know how to perform CPR on infants and young children, as the technique differs from adult CPR.

• Infant CPR (under 1 year): Use two fingers in the center of the chest. Press down about 1.5 inches deep and give 30 gentle compressions, followed by 2 small breaths.

• Child CPR (1 to 8 years): Use one hand to deliver compressions about 2 inches deep. Follow the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.

• Older children and adults: Use both hands for compressions at least 2 inches deep. Continue with 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths.

When an incident occurs in or around water, start CPR immediately and call 911. If you're alone, provide about two minutes of CPR before making the call.

Other Water Safety Precautions

• Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets for boating or open water

• Keep rescue tools like a life ring or reaching pole nearby

• Have a phone accessible in case of emergency

• Make sure house numbers are clearly visible for first responders

Creating a Safer Environment for Kids Around Water

Preventing drowning starts with preparation. When adults stay alert, teach children water safety skills, and understand CPR techniques for infants and children, the risk of tragedy decreases. National Water Safety Month is a great reminder that with the right steps, water can be a source of joy rather than danger.