Case Study

Water Safety and Drowning Prevention

Take Our Water Safety Quiz:
A young child’s life could depend on it

True or False:

Select one answer and use the Submit button to check your response.

Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children ages 1 through 4 years?

Select one answer and use the Submit button to check your response.

Preschool-aged children are more likely to drown in the bathtub than any other location.

Select one answer and use the Submit button to check your response.

Drowning is always fatal.

Select one answer and use the Submit button to check your response.

Drowning is preventable.

Texas Health Steps and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend water safety and drowning prevention anticipatory guidance be provided during medical checkups beginning with discharge from the birth facility. Parents often are unaware how quickly children can drown in a small amount of water. Following are recommended topics to discuss at checkups for young children.

12-month through 24-month checkups

  • At 12 months begin discussion about swim lessons and note high risk for drowning in this age group
  • Block access to all water including toilets, buckets, pools and open bodies of water
  • If the family has pool access, ensure the presence of isolation fencing, door locks and alarms and pool covers
  • Remind families that toddler drownings often occur during unplanned swim time, and it is essential to prevent young children from having access to water

30-month to 5-year checkups

  • Continue to discuss swim lessons
  • Emphasize the importance of using properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets on boats and around open water
  • Continue to supervise when child/adolescent is near or in water, even if child knows how to swim.

Drowning is a danger for children and adolescents of all ages, and Texas Health Steps recommends age-appropriate counseling that addresses specific risks and stages of development. In addition, providers are encouraged to share drowning prevention tools and resources with patients and families. Learn more by taking the Water Safety and Drowning Prevention quick course.

Why it matters

Taking the proper precautions around water can prevent injury and save lives. Providers who are well informed and have access to water safety recommendations can provide age-appropriate counseling to protect young lives.