WATER SAFETY FOR CHILDREN
By Harrison J. Bahe
On July 17, 2025, a Parent Group Connection meeting was held in which firefighters and paramedics from the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation addressed Water Safety for Children. Below is a summary of some very important information that could potentially save lives. 100% of the information comes from the NDPA.
Drowning is the single leading cause of death for children ages 1–4 in the United States. On average, more than 400 children ages 1–4 fatally drown each year. Most toddler drownings occur in pools, spas, or natural water around the home, with 70% of those happening during non-swim times. For every child who dies from drowning, another 7 or 8 receive emergency care for non-fatal submersion injuries, many of which require hospitalization. Drowning in standing water remains a significant risk in the home for toddlers—such as bathtubs, buckets, toilets, and sinks. These numbers demonstrate how crucial it is to take water safety precautions and practice the five layers of protection to reduce the risk of drowning. These will be addressed later in the article.
Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death between the ages of 5–14, behind motor vehicle crashes. As school-aged kids get older, they are more likely to drown in natural water, such as ponds or lakes. There are more than 200 drowning deaths each year among children ages 5–14. Alarmingly, 59% of children in that age group who drowned reportedly knew how to swim. These statistics reinforce the importance of water competency—including basic swim skills, barriers, and parental supervision—to prevent tragic accidents and ensure children’s safety in all aquatic environments.
Water Safety Tips for Children Ages 1–4
- Take classes to learn first aid and CPR with rescue breaths.
- Enroll children in high-quality swimming lessons as early as age 1 to learn life-saving skills like floating.
- Install barriers (four-sided fencing) around pools and spas to separate them from the house and yard, preventing unsupervised access.
- Consider door alarms or personal alarms for children to alert caregivers during non-swim times.
- Empty water containers around the home: sinks, tubs, and buckets.
- Actively supervise children during swim times. Water watchers and lifeguards should be close, constant, and capable.
- Have children wear brightly colored swimsuits.
- Keep young children within an arm’s reach when in and around water.
- Use U.S. Coast Guard–approved flotation devices around natural water or while boating.
- Educate children on the importance of staying out of the pool during non-swim times.
- Remove toys or tripping hazards in and around the pool/spa area.
- Remove any climbable objects near pool gates and fences.
Water safety isn’t just for swim time. Each layer of protection should be used together when in or around water to reduce the risk of drowning. You never know which layer will save a life. These are the Five Layers of Protection every caregiver should know:
BARRIERS & ALARMS
Use four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates, pool safety covers, and alarm systems to prevent unsupervised access to water by children and unauthorized adults.
SUPERVISION
Always provide close, constant, and capable adult supervision from a designated water watcher or lifeguard any time children are in or around water.
WATER COMPETENCY
Children and adults should learn basic water safety skills to protect themselves. Water competency can significantly reduce the risk of drowning and aquatic injuries.
LIFE JACKETS
When used properly, life jackets provide critical protection, especially in natural bodies of water. Always use U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jackets.
EMERGENCY PREPARATION
Being prepared to respond with CPR (including rescue breaths) and basic water rescue skills can save lives. Know your location and be ready to call 911 in an emergency.
