06/17/2025
Know what freaks me out? The risk of drowning. 😳 Let's talk about pool and water safety.
Even a “great swimmer” can drown when tired, fully-clothed, or injured. Drowning occurs in pools, ponds, lakes, oceans, wells, fountains, bathtubs, toilets, and even large buckets of water. It only takes a few inches of water and can occur quickly and quietly without warning. 😳 Here's information from the AAP about how to keep your children safe in or around water:
At the pool, an adult should actively be watching at all times. For infants and toddlers, an adult should be in the water and within arm’s reach, providing “touch supervision.” For older children, an adult should be paying constant attention - free from distractions like talking on the phone, socializing, tending to household chores, or drinking alcohol. 👀
Unlike a scene from the movies, drowning can occur quickly without any flailing about, splashing, or yelling for help. The supervising adult must keep their eyes on the water and know how to swim!
If you have a pool, try to make sure that the following rules are followed: No one should ever swim alone. Keep toys away from the pool when the pool is not in use (it is tempting for kids to go in after them when nobody is looking). Empty your small pools after each use (they are easy to fall into). No tricycles or other riding toys at the poolside. No electrical appliances near the pool. No diving into a pool that is not deep enough. No running on the pool deck (they can be slippery).
To prevent small children from entering the pool area on their own, there should be a fence that completely surrounds ALL FOUR sides of the pool or spa. Children can climb out a window or squeeze though a doggy door to get to the backyard and the pool - sadly, it happens.
If you don’t have a fence surrounding all four sides of the pool, consider door alarms, pool alarms, and/or window guards on your home. Combined with the watchful eyes of an adult, a fence is the best way to protect your child AND other children who come to visit or live in the neighborhood nearby. 🏡
Pool fences should be climb-resistant and not have anything alongside them (such as lawn furniture) that can be used to climb over the top. They should be at least 4 feet high and have no footholds or handholds that could help a child climb them. Chain-link fences are very easy to climb and are NOT recommended as pool fences. Have a gate that is self-closing and self-latching. The latches should be higher than a child can reach.
For above-ground pools, lock or remove ladders to prevent access by children when not in use. Automatic pool covers (motorized covers operated by a switch) should cover the entire pool so that a child can’t slip underneath. Make sure there is no standing water on top of the pool cover. Be aware that floating solar covers are not safety covers. ☀️
Children should learn to swim. The AAP supports swimming lessons for children as young as 1 year old. Keep in mind that because children develop at different rates, each child will be ready to swim at her own time. Also, swimming lessons do not provide “drown-proofing” for children of any age, so supervision and other layers of protection are still necessary, even for children who have good swimming skills.
Parents and children should also know the rules for swimming in oceans, lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams. ⛱ Advise kids never to swim without adult supervision. Never dive into water unless an adult who knows the depth of the water says it’s OK. Always use an approved personal flotation device (life jacket or life vest) when boating, riding on a personal watercraft, fishing, waterskiing, or playing in a river or stream. Water wings and other blow-up swimming aids should not be used in place of life jackets.
Today's life jackets have come along way as far as style, comfort, and protection. Many states REQUIRE the use of life jackets and life preservers. They must be present on all boats traveling in water supervised by the US Coast Guard. Teach your child how to put on their own life jacket and make sure it is worn correctly.
A life jacket should be snug. It shouldn't be able to slip above the child's chin or ears. Life jackets for infants and smaller children (less than 30 pounds or so) should have a crotch strap to ensure a snug fit, as well as a large float collar for head support. Always check the user label, which will tell you the weight range for which the lifejacket is approved. Blow-up water wings, toys, rafts, and air mattresses should never be used as life jackets or life preservers.
Be ready for an emergency. Anyone caring for or watching children swim should know CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). CPR can save a life and help reduce injury after a near drowning. The American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, and your local hospital or fire department may offer training classes.
We often see a spike in water-related accidents over warm holiday weekends as people are gathered together enjoying each other's company, possibly not paying 100% attention to the curious, fearless little ones.
Primary Source: Denny S et al. Prevention of Drowning. Pediatrics May 2019, 143 (5) e20190850; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-0850
