Clear, practical tools for keeping kids safer around water.
This page gathers simple, actionable guidance for parents, caregivers, and communities. It’s not a substitute for professional training—but it can help you take the next right steps toward safer baths, pools, and oceans.
Core Water Safety Checklists
These checklists offer starting points for common settings where infants and children encounter water: the bath, the home or backyard, and natural water like lakes and the ocean.
Infants & toddlers in the bath
- Always stay within arm’s reach—no exceptions, no quick errands.
- Gather towels, soap, and supplies before water is turned on.
- Keep water level shallow; infants do not need deep water.
- Empty tubs, buckets, and basins immediately after use.
- Teach older siblings that “watching the baby” never replaces an adult.
Pools, hot tubs, and yard hazards
- Install four-sided fencing with a self-closing, self-latching gate.
- Use locks or alarms on doors that lead directly to pools or bodies of water.
- Store buckets, kiddie pools, and tubs upside down when not in use.
- Keep toys away from pool edges to reduce temptation for young children.
- Designate a sober, undistracted “water watcher” during any water play.
Open water & currents
- Use properly fitted life jackets approved for your child’s weight and size.
- Stay close—waves and currents can move children faster than expected.
- Swim only in designated areas with lifeguards when possible.
- Learn local risks (rip currents, drop-offs, tides, hidden objects).
- Model safe behavior: no diving into unknown depths, no swimming alone.
Layers of Protection
No single measure—fencing, supervision, or lessons—is enough on its own. Drowning prevention works best when multiple layers are in place at the same time.
- Barriers: Fences, gates, door locks, and alarms that separate children from water.
- Supervision: A dedicated adult “water watcher” with no distractions.
- Skills: Age-appropriate swim lessons and water survival skills.
- Equipment: Life jackets, rescue equipment, and phones nearby.
- Education: Teaching kids water rules early and repeating them often.
Emergency Readiness
The goal is always prevention. But if something does happen, being prepared to respond quickly and calmly can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Recognize the emergency
Drowning is often silent—no splashing, no yelling. If a child is missing, always check water first. Trust your instincts if something feels wrong around a pool or bath.
Call for help
In a suspected drowning or near-drowning, call your local emergency number (such as 911 in the U.S.) immediately. If others are present, assign someone specifically to make the call.
Begin appropriate aid
Learn CPR from accredited providers so you’re prepared before an emergency. This site cannot teach CPR—but it can encourage you to seek training through the Red Cross, hospitals, or local programs.
Training & Next Steps
Websites can’t replace hands-on practice. The most powerful gift you can give your family is real-world training and early, consistent exposure to safe water skills.
- Look for CPR classes for parents and caregivers in your area.
- Explore infant and child swim programs that respect your child’s readiness.
- Share what you learn with other caregivers, relatives, and babysitters.