Drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1-4.

And for every child that dies of a drowning, there are 5 that have to receive emergency medical treatment for non-fatal drowning incidents that result in mild to severe injuries that can last a lifetime.

It only takes a moment. A child can drown in the time it takes to reply to a text, refill a drink, or apply sunscreen. One second can change your summer. 

If a child is missing, CHECK THE WATER FIRST. As many as 69% of young children who are found drowned or submerged in swimming pools were NOT expected to be in or at the pool. Seconds count in preventing death or disability!

DROWNING IS PREVENTABLE!

1. LEARN TO SWIM: Encourage your kids to take swim classes and make sure you take one yourself! Swim safety starts with learning the basics of floating and safely moving through the water. Formal swim lessons have been proven to decrease the chances of drownings by 88%. 
2. BARRIERS WORK: Secure your pool with appropriate barriers. This can include 4-sided pool gates, water sensors, door alarms, and more.
3. WEAR LIFE JACKETS: Make sure kids and adults wear coast guard approved life jackets in and around natural bodies of water when participating in any recreational water activities (paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, or boating). 
4. DESIGNATE A WATER WATCHER: This adult is tasked with one job - Watch the kids in the water. They cannot be distracted by conversation, drinking, or be on their phone. This adult should be replaced with another responsible individual every 15 minutes so they stay vigilant.

Download your own "Water Watcher" Lanyard insert HERE. 

Learn more information and additional research on the Red Cross Water Safety Pages or on Safe Kids Worldwide.