As parents, we worry about our children every day. We want them to be healthy and safe.
The New England Journal of Medicine reports that drowning is the number one cause of death for children aged 1-4 in the US. These drownings most commonly occur in swimming pools.
While this statistic is upsetting, the reassuring news is that toddler drownings are almost 100% preventable.
The following tips tell what parents need to know about water safety for toddlers.
Toddlers Love to Explore
Toddlers learn several new words every day. Their curiosity about the world around them is insatiable. Water, with its ability to move and sparkle, is understandably an inviting but dangerous attraction.
Common Water Dangers for Toddlers
Constantly watch your toddler when they are around water.
- Swimming pools
- Hot tubs
- Bathtubs and toilets
- Ponds or lakes
- Standing water in your home
- Garden waterfalls and birdbaths
Layers of Protection
Drowning prevention is a very serious matter. You don’t want to depend on just one deterrent or safety net. Different situations call for different protections.
The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests you provide several layers of protection to keep your toddler safe from water dangers.
Here, we discuss six layers of protection:
- Pool fencing
- Securing indoor water hazards
- Securing your home’s doorways
- Swim lessons and water safety fundamentals
Fencing and Creating Barriers
If you have a pool, be sure to install a fence around it.
- Be at least four feet high
- Surround the pool on all sides
- Have a self-closing and self-latching gate
- Have a gate latch at least 54” from the ground
Fences around swimming pools, including in-ground and above-ground pools and inflatables, prevent many toddler drownings. But as we all know, even one drowning is tragic.
Additional Pool Safety Precautions
Keep toys out of the pool and pool area. Water is temptation enough for a toddler without adding toys to the mix.
Keep hot tubs and whirlpools covered and locked when not being occupied.
Empty water buckets and small wading pools immediately after use.
Beware of Other Outdoor Water Features
Garden structures such as birdbaths and fountains can also pose a drowning risk. Keep them out of your backyard if you have a toddler in the house.
Secure Indoor Water Hazards
Toddlers may want to get into a bathroom to play with the toilet or bathtub. Don’t let them!
- Install out-of-reach safety locks or doorknob covers on all bathroom doors
- Keep a safety lock on all toilet covers
- Put away bathtub drain plugs if possible
Toddlers playing in the pool or bathtub, or around other water, need constant supervision. Don’t leave them alone—even for a second.
Always stay with your toddler in a pool and never leave their side, even if a lifeguard is present.
If you’re visiting a friend’s or relative’s home, be extra careful. There’s probably added excitement for you and your curious toddler. This can make the situation even more dangerous since you may easily become distracted.
Common distractions include phone calls, conversations, or drinking alcohol. But you can’t let distractions occur when a child’s life may depend on it.
A safe rule of thumb is to stay within arm’s length of your toddler when there is water involved. You will be right there if help is needed.
Don’t Let Your Child Get Outside Unobserved
Curious toddlers don’t give up easily. Getting outside to play in the yard is an incredible temptation. And a determined toddler can be very creative in getting their way.
Use these child-safety features to keep your child safely indoors and away from dangerous water hazards:
- Out-of-reach door locks
- Doorknob covers
- Safety gates
Also, always be sure your toddler doesn’t follow you or another person out of the house unobserved.
Have your toddler wear a US Coast Guard approved lifejacket if they are playing in or near lakes, the ocean, or a pool. Accidents can happen in a matter of seconds, and this added layer of protection can save a child’s life.
People of all ages should wear lifejackets on boats.
Swim Lessons and Water Safety Fundamentals
For Your Baby and Toddler
Children are safer when they have a basic knowledge of and respect for the water. Early exposure to the water, in a supportive setting—such as at Njswim—will help your child develop a love of and appreciation for the water.
Children as young as three months can take part in our Water Babies program.
Enroll Your Toddler in Swim Lessons
Enroll your child in swim lessons. Here’s a blog that can help you decide if your child is ready for swim lessons.
At Njswim, we offer individual lessons or small group classes, so your child never feels lost in the crowd.
Learn How to Respond in a Water Emergency
Make sure you know how to swim. Or sign up for a beginner’s or refresher swim class.
Learn CPR at your local Red Cross and find out how to recognize and respond in a water emergency.
Njswim’s Commitment to Water Safety
At Njswim, we know the importance of water safety. We incorporate water safety into all our swim lessons for children.
We also offer outreach programs to all members of our community so they too can learn about:
- Water safety
- How to recognize a water emergency
- What they can safely do in a water emergency
New Jersey Water Safety Legislation
If you agree that water safety is a critical part of a child’s education, we hope you will support NJ Assembly Bill A618. This bill proposes that water safety education is taught in all New Jersey public schools in grades K-12.
“Stop Drowning Now”
Njswim is a partner of “Stop Drowning Now.” This non-profit organization has the mission of saving lives through water safety education. This education initiative promotes:
- Safer water
- Safer kids
- Safer response
Njswim’s founder and owner, Joe Oehme, is also a board member of the New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance. This group advocates for “viable, safe conduct and enjoyment of the critical life skill of swimming.”