6 ways to prevent drowning
1. Get trained in CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and basic water rescue skills
Parents and community members should learn how to respond in an emergency without putting themselves at risk. Check with your local emergency first responders, lifeguards and swimming clubs or associations, which often offer this kind of training.
2. Keep watch over your children
Don’t rely on other adults or children nearby to keep an eye on children playing in, on or around the water. Being attentive and watching what your little one is doing is one of the best ways to keep them safe. Do not be distracted by your mobile phone or conversation with another person. Be at arm’s reach when a child is in the water. If you lose sight of your child, call for help immediately.
3. Install barriers controlling access to water
If you have a pool, pond, or any other body of water around your home, install a fence around it to prevent children from wandering in unsupervised. Other sources of water such as wells, water containers and cisterns should also be covered to prevent an unintentional fall. Empty buckets, containers and portable pools after use and keep toilet lids, and doors to bath and laundry rooms closed when not in use. If you live in a community with a public water space, speak to your local authorities about having a fence put up to keep everyone safe.
4. Provide safe places away from water
Community daycare centres help to keep pre-school children engaged (and having fun!) while safely away from the water. Check in your local community to learn about what options are available for your child.
5. Teach children swimming and water safety skills
One of the best ways to prevent drowning in school-age children (aged over 6 years) is to make sure they know how to swim. Schools, emergency first responders, lifeguards and swimming clubs or associations often provide swim lessons for children.
6. Have everything you need for bath time
Before placing a young child in the tub have all items at hand so you do not leave the child unsupervised in the water. Empty the tub after use.
Did you know?
A toddler or child can drown in 5 cm of water. Every exposed water source, no matter how shallow, poses a significant danger.
