Water Safety

Drowning can happen quickly, quietly, and in seconds — even during non-swim times. A brief distraction like a phone call, answering the door, or tending to another child can allow a child unexpected access to water.

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4. Nearly 70% of drownings involving young children occur when they are not expected to be near water.

There is no single way to prevent drowning. Instead, use all 5 Layers of Protection every time your family is in or around water.

The 5 Layers of Protection 

1. Barriers & Alarms

Because you cannot have eyes on the water at all times, physical barriers are essential.

• Four-sided pool fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates.
• Pool safety covers.
• Door, window, and gate alarms.
• Underwater motion alarms.
• Locking doggy doors or pet access flaps near pool areas.

Barriers slow a child’s access to water and buy valuable seconds to intervene.

2. Supervision

Supervision must be close, constant, and capable any time children are in or near water.

• Assign a designated Water Watcher — no phones, no reading, no distractions.
• Keep children within arm’s reach.
• Use scanning patterns and frequent head counts.
• Know what drowning looks like:
  •  Quiet, vertical position
  • Head tilted back
  • Mouth at water level
  • No calling for help
  • Little or no splashing

Supervision alone cannot prevent all drownings — but it remains one of the most important layers.

3. Water Competency

Everyone should have basic skills to survive in water.

• The American Academy of Pediatrics supports swim lessons as early as age 1.
• Speak with your pediatrician before enrolling very young children.
• Core skills include:
  •  Safe entry and exit from the water
  • Floating and breathing control
  • Turning and grabbing a wall
  • Moving forward at least 10 feet

Swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning, but no child is ever “drown-proof.”

 4. Life Jackets

Life jackets protect you when you don’t expect to be in the water, especially around open water.

• Use U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets only
• Ensure proper sizing for children and adults
• Required for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and open-water activities
• Life jackets add protection if other layers fail

Life jackets save lives — adults and children should wear them around open water.

5. Emergency Preparation

Being prepared can make the difference between life and death.

• Learn CPR with rescue breaths — drowning victims need oxygen
• If someone is not breathing, call 9-1-1 immediately and then begin CPR
• Refresh CPR certification every 1–2 years
• Learn safe rescue skills (reach or throw — don’t go)
• Keep an emergency phone and basic rescue tools nearby

Drowning Is Preventable

Water safety is not just for swim time — it’s for any time a child can access water.
The 5 Layers work together, and no single layer is enough on its own.

Using all layers consistently can save a life.