Drowning Prevention (2024)

Drowning Prevention

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

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?

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

Most drownings happen when people:

• Swim in pools, lakes or the oceanwithout someone constantly watching
• Drinking 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.

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.

Stay safe at the beach.

• "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

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: