Water Safety Tips for Kids: How to Prevent Drowning

With many long days in the sun still ahead of us, swimming continues to be a favorite summer pastime for those of all ages. From community pools to Lake Michigan, opportunities for fun in the sun are all around. But the water can also be one of the most dangerous places for kids, particularly those under five years old. 

Among preventable injuries, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four. And it can happen faster — and more quietly — than most parents expect. 

Two experts from Lurie Children's Injury Prevention and Research Center share what every family needs to know: Amy Hill, Associate Director, and Karen Sheehan, MD, MPH, Director of the Center.

Where Drowning Happens by Age

Not all drowning risks are the same — they shift as children grow.

• Infants and toddlers are most at risk in bathtubs, buckets and kiddie pools. They can drown in just a few inches of water.
• Children ages 1–4 are most likely to drown in residential swimming pools. But 70% of toddler drownings happen when they aren’t expected to be in the water. If a child is missing, look in the pool first.
• Children 5 and older face the greatest risk in natural open water like lakes, ponds and rivers.
• Teens and adults are at higher risk when alcohol is involved near open water.

Pool Safety for Young Children

Pools require multiple layers of protection, no single measure is enough on its own. You may be wondering how to approach safe swimming with your children. Here are some water safety tips to remember:

• Enroll children in formal swim lessons when they're ready. Swim lessons significantly reduce drowning risk, but should never be considered "drown proofing." 
• Never leave a child alone in or near water — not the pool, hot tub, bathtub or kiddie pool. Not even for a moment.
• Ensure all pools have proper fencing on four sides with a self-latching gate that children cannot open.
• Remove ladders from above-ground pools when not in use.
• Always designate a "water watcher," a sober adult whose sole responsibility is watching the water without any distractions like scrolling their phone, reading or talking with another adult.
• Knowing CPR is strongly encouraged.
• Swim only where a lifeguard is present.
• Practice "touch supervision,” which is where an adult needs to be within arm’s reach of a child in the water.

Open Water Safety Tips

Lakes, rivers and oceans introduce hazards that pools don't have. "The water depth or temperature, especially on Lake Michigan, can change rapidly," says Dr. Sheehan. Keep these tips in mind:

• Never swim alone in open water, even strong swimmers need a buddy.
• Never swim after dark.
• Never dive into open water unless the depth has been confirmed.
• Pay attention to flags, signs and wind advisories before entering the water.
• If caught in a rip current, don't fight it. Remember to "flip, float and follow." Flip over on your back, keep your head above water and follow the current. 

Both our experts stress that drowning in real life is nothing like drowning in the movies. “It takes less than one minute from the initial struggle for a child to drown,” says Dr. Sheehan. “It is not as dramatic as it is portrayed,” says Hill. “Drowning is silent, usually a person slips under the water. In real life, there can be very little splashing or screaming.”

Knowing this, visual supervision is not enough. Active, uninterrupted attention near the water is essential at all times.

Life Jacket Safety

Life jackets save lives, but only when worn correctly and consistently. Always use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket — not inflatable swim aids, water wings, or pool noodles, which are not safety devices.

Choose a life jacket by weight and chest size, not age. Make sure it fits snugly: if you can lift it over the child's chin or ears, it's too big. Life jackets should be worn on boats, docks, and in open water — not just when children are already in the water.

Swimsuit Color Safety

Brightly colored swimsuits — such as neon yellow, orangem and hot pink — are the easiest for lifeguards and parents to spot in the water, making them the safest choice for young swimmers. Avoid dressing children in blue, white or green swimwear, as these colors blend into water, making a submerged child nearly invisible. 

When shopping for your child's next swimsuit, treat color as a safety feature, not just a style choice, and prioritize visibility the same way you would a properly fitted life jacket.

Learn CPR

Bystander CPR can double or triple a drowning victim's chance of survival. The American Red Cross and American Heart Association both offer in-person and online CPR certification courses. Any adult who spends time around children near water should be trained.

For personalized water safety guidance, talk to your child's pediatrician at their next well-child visit. Lurie Children's families can also find water safety resources in the Education section of MyChart after any visit and can sign up for Water Safety Care Companion sponsored by Goldfish Swim School/

Search our blog Search

---