Seattle Children’s
For children of all ages, drowning is a leading cause of unintentional death. One of the biggest myths about drowning is that it’s loud, with lots of splashing and yelling. This is a dangerous false belief. It causes many parents and caregivers to wrongly believe they can do other things when a child is in or near water. The truth is that drowning is often quick and silent, with a child simply slipping under the surface, not seen or heard by anyone.
Constant supervision and following strict water-safety rules can mean the difference between life and death.
- Supervise children in the water, giving them your undivided attention. Stay within arm’s reach of young children and inexperienced swimmers. Constantly watch all children swimming or playing in the water, even if they know how to swim, and even when lifeguards are present.
- Supervise when they are children near the water, watching them closely even when waterplay and swimming are not part of your plan.
- Designate an official ‘water watcher’ when children are in or even near the water. This should be a responsible adult.
- Stay vigilant and focused when supervising. Never use alcohol or other drugs during water-related activities. And don’t try to multitask while supervising or water watching — this includes looking at your smartphone.
- Enforce rules about wearing life jackets, ensuring they are the right size and that they are properly adjusted for a safe, snug fit. This goes for adults, too.
