Water
Why Kids Are at Risk

Most drownings and near-drownings occur in residential swimming pools. More than half of these drownings take place in the child’s home pool, and one-third occur at the homes of friends, neighbors or relatives. However, it’s important to know that children – especially younger ones – can also drown in as little as 1 inch of water. This puts them at risk of drowning in wading pools, bathtubs, buckets, diaper pails, toilets, spas and hot tubs. 

Childhood drownings and near-drownings can happen in a matter of seconds. They typically occur when a child is left unattended or during a brief lapse in supervision. 

Other risk factors:

• The majority of children who drown in swimming pools were last seen in the home, had been out of sight for less than five minutes, and were in the care of one or both parents at the time of the drowning.

• In-ground swimming pools without complete four-sided isolation fencing are 60 percent more likely to be involved in drownings than those with four-sided isolation fencing.

• Drownings and near-drownings tend to occur on the weekend (40 percent) and between the months of May and August (62 percent).

• Older children are more likely to drown in open water sites, such as lakes, rivers and oceans.

• Death rates from drowning are higher in the country than in cities and suburbs, in part due to decreased access to emergency medical care.

• Water Safety

• Protecting Your Family

• Protecting Communities

• Frequently Asked Questions