Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 14. Learn how to help prevent water related injures with the following safety tips!
Children can drown in just one inch of water! Never leave a child alone! Stay alert and avoid things like reading, social media, or talking on the phone.
Find safe swimming areas in the ponds, lakes, and the pools that you visit. Do not swim outside of the safe areas or when there is bad weather.
Make sure sure that everyone wears a Coast Guard Approved life jacket at all times. This will help prevent drowning.
Water wings or inflatable tubes will not stop a child from drowning. Only Coast Guard Approved life jackets should be used as flotation devices.
Everyone in the family should know how to swim. Teach children to swim, tread water, and float. Supervise children while they are in or near water. Never let them swim without an adult watching them!
Enclose all family pools with a four-foot fence with a self-closing and latching gate. Make sure the gate locks and check it often to make sure the lock is working properly. Pool covers and pool alarms can be used for extra protection to help prevent drowning.
Report broken, loose, or missing drain covers to the the pool's owner. Children or others may get their feet, hands, or other body parts trapped in loose drain parts. This can lead to injury or drowning.
Keep flotation devices, a phone, and a whistle nearby when around water. These may help you rescue and call for help in an emergency.
Learn CPR and first aid. This can make all the difference during an emergency and you could help save a life!
Empty and store water buckets, containers, and wading pools upside down and out of reach of children to help prevent drowning. Remember that children can drown in just one inch of water!
Good water safety habits are also important inside the house. Always supervise children during bathtime or near water in the home. Empty all sinks, tubs, or containers when not in use to help keep children from getting hurt or drowning.
Children can pinch their fingers in toilet seats or get their head stuck in the toilet bowl. Always keep the toilet seat down and use a toilet lock when not in use. This will help prevent drowning.
Do you have questions about water safety?
Call our FREE Safety Store Helpline at 317-274-6565. You can talk live with our staff Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM about your safety questions.
FREE DOWNLOADS
Water Safety Checklist English/Spanish
Safety Sami Coloring Sheet Water Safety English
Safety Sami Coloring Sheet Water Safety Spanish
Special Needs Water Safety English/Spanish
FOR MORE INFORMATION
redcross.org: Find Swimming Lessons in Your Area For All Ages
redcross.org: Find a CPR Class in Your Area
