Drowning Prevention

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Water can be dangerous!

• Playing in the water is lots of fun, but always remember – water can be dangerous!

A person can drown:

• In small amounts of water:
  • A bath tub
  • A shallow pool
  • A bucket
  • A trench or ditch
• When other people are around
• Quietly… without yelling or splashing
• Quickly… in just seconds

Even if someone survives after nearly drowning:

• They may still suffer serious health problems:
  • Brain damage
  • Memory problems
  • Breathing problems
  • Loss of movement

Who is most at risk of drowning?

• Infants and children under age 5
• People with seizure disorders
• People with disabilities that:
  • Limit movement
  • Make it hard to notice danger
• Teenagers (especially boys)
• Men

Most drownings happen when people:

• Swim in pools, lakes or the ocean without someone constantly watching
• Drink alcohol while playing near water
• Go out in a boat or raft without a life jacket
• Leave someone who has seizures or who can’t support themselves (including babies) alone in a bathtub

How can you keep from drowning?

• Never swim alone.
  • Use the buddy system. Always swim with a friend!
  • Always know where your buddy is.
• Only swim in areas where:
  • A lifeguard or experienced swimmers are watching
  • It says it is safe to swim - Look for ropes or signs
• Never dive into water if you don’t know how deep it is! Go in slowly.
• Never swim after drinking alcohol.
• This tip sheet will help you stay safe near water!

Wear a life jacket!

• Always wear a life jacket at the pool, the beach or on a boat. Make sure it fits!
  • The size should be on the inside of the jacket.
• Test the fit of your life jacket.
  • Lift your arms straight up above your head.
  • Turn your head to the right and to the left.
  • The chest portion of the jacket should not touch your chin when you turn your head.

Stay safe at the beach.

• The beach can be fun, but the ocean is not like a swimming pool!
• The ocean is unpredictable. Waves and currents can be dangerous.
• Look for signs that say:
  • If it is safe to swim.
  • Where it is safe to swim.
• Check what the weather will be like before you go.
• “Sneaker” waves can be dangerous.
• Sneaker waves are bigger than normal waves. They can pull people into the water without warning.
• Protect yourself from sneaker waves.
  • Always have someone with you.
  • Always watch for the next wave.

How can you tell if someone else is drowning?

• When someone is drowning they are just trying to breathe. They may:
  • Not be able to call for help
  • Not be splashing
• There are some signs to watch for. A person who is drowning may:
  • Have their head tilted back
  • Be looking around for help

If you think someone is drowning, act quickly!

• Tell other people and call 9-1-1.
• Tell the person to stay calm, look at you and kick their feet.
• Throw them a floating object (a life preserver or cushion).
• If someone is drowning, DON’T go in the water yourself.
• You can help only if you stay safe!
• You may get hurt by going into the water to help someone.
  • They may pull you underwater, too.
  • There may be dangerous waves or currents in the water, even if you can’t see them from the shore.
• Only a trained and certified lifeguard should go in the water to help a drowning victim.

Drowning can happen at home.

• Many drowning accidents happen in the bathtub.
• If you have seizures or if it’s hard for you to take a bath, don’t be shy… ask for help!
• Never leave a child or person who can’t support themselves alone in the bathtub.
• If there is a pool where you live, make sure it’s fenced in and keep the gate locked.

Learn more about water safety and drowning prevention:

• CDC – Water-Related Injuries: Fact Sheet
• Safety Guidelines for Swimming Pools

Resources about drowning prevention for support persons:

• Drowning Prevention, DDS