Each year, drowning remains a leading cause of injury-related death among children. Pools, bathtubs, and even buckets can become dangerous in an instant, making supervision and safety practices essential to prevent tragedies. Alarmingly, children under a year old are most at risk of drowning at home, while older children face hazards in pools and open water alike.
Water Safety at Home
The dangers of water exist beyond pools and beaches. Everyday items like bathtubs, buckets, and toilets also present risks. Take these steps to keep your family safe at home:
- Supervise children at all times. It only takes one inch of water for a child to drown.
- Empty tubs, buckets, and kiddie pools immediately after use. Store them upside down, out of reach.
- Secure your home. Close bathroom doors and toilet lids when not in use, and install four-sided fencing around backyard pools with self-latching and self-closing gates.
Swimming Safety Tips
Swimming is a fantastic way for kids to stay healthy and have fun, but ensuring their safety is even more important. By focusing on supervision and teaching vital safety practices, you can create a secure environment for your children to play. Explore these essential swimming safety tips together and help your kids become confident and safe swimmers.
How to Stay Safe in Open Water
Swimming in open water like lakes, rivers, and beaches introduces unique risks that parents and children should understand. Safe Kids supports life jacket loaner stations at Proctor and Dallas Landings on Lake Allatoona and at Acworth Beach on Lake Acworth. Learn more.
Click here for a map of Nationwide Life Jacket Loaner Stations.