Water Safety for Children-Keeping Your Child Safe Around Water

Pools, oceans, lakes, rivers, ponds, and even bathtubs are all water hazards. Each year, children drown, get injured from slipping and falling around water, or get burned by water that is too hot. Taking extra precautions can help to keep your child safe from accidental injuries and drowning around all bodies of water.

Why is water safety important?

Children can get hurt or drown even in a very small amount of water. Water safety is important for preventing drowning and other injuries, such as:

• Head bumps.
• Falls.
• Broken bones.
• Burns.

What actions can I take to keep my child safe around water?

General water safety tips

• Always supervise children around water. Stay within an arm’s reach.
• Know CPR in case of an emergency.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are supervising children around water.
• If your child is 4 years of age or older, sign him or her up for swimming lessons. Being comfortable around water and knowing how to swim may reduce your child’s risk for some accidental injuries.
  • Generally, children are not developmentally ready for formal swimming lessons until they are 4 years old. However, children as young as 1 year old may start swimming lessons.
  • Even if your child has had swimming lessons, always stay within an arm’s reach when your child is swimming.
• Do not rely on air-filled or foam swimming aids such as water wings, inner tubes, or foam noodles to keep your child safe. Instead, make sure your child wears a life jacket that is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Water safety around open bodies of water

• Only swim at beaches where there is a lifeguard on duty.
• Whenever your child is on a boat or around water that is above his or her head, have your child wear a life jacket that fits well.
• Never leave your child alone near water. Always have him or her swim or play near water with a friend or family member.
• Before you allow your child to jump or dive into water, find out how deep the water is.
• Be careful of currents, wildlife, rocks, and other hazards in natural bodies of water.
• Do not let your child walk, skate, or ride on thin or thawing ice during winter months.

Water safety around pools and hot tubs

• Put a fence around home pools. These include permanent in-ground and above-ground pools and temporary inflatable or portable pools.
• Have your child swim in pools only when a lifeguard or other adult is supervising.
• Keep backyard baby pools empty when they are not in use. Drain out all the water.
• Make sure your child asks permission before he or she goes in the water.
• Do not allow your child to:
  • Play or swim near drains or areas with suction.
  • Run around a pool deck.
  • Play roughly (roughhouse) in the water or push others into the pool.
  • Dive into shallow water.
  • Use air-filled or foam pool toys instead of a life jacket. They are not designed to keep swimmers safe.

Bath time safety

• Place non-slip padding in the bottom of the bath tub.
• Place rugs or non-slip mats on the bathroom floor.
• Set your water heater temperature below 120°F (48.9°C).
• Always supervise young children in the bathtub.
• Store unplugged electrical appliances, such as hair dryers, in a cabinet.

Where to find support

For more support, turn to:

• Your child’s health care provider.
• Your local swimming pool, Red Cross chapter, or other organizations that offer swimming lessons or promote water safety.

Where to find more information

Learn more about how to keep your child safe around water from:

• National Safety Council: www.nsc.org  
• American Academy of Pediatrics: www.healthychildren.org  
• American Red Cross: www.redcross.org  
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov  

Summary

• Children can get hurt or drown even in a very small amount of water.
• Do not let your child swim or play around water unsupervised.
• Make sure your child knows how to swim.
• Always have your child wear a life jacket on boats and around water that is over your child’s head.
• Make sure your child knows and follows water safety rules.