Drowning Prevention: How to Keep Kids Safe in the Water

Drowning happens when a child’s nose and mouth are submerged in water causing difficulty breathing.

Symptoms to Watch for:

• Cough
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Fast breathing or difficulty breathing
• Confusion or unusual behavior

Best Practices Near Water:

• Swim lessons beginning at age 1 are a first step toward water safety.
• Never leave children unsupervised, including in a baby pool or bathtub.
• Keep children within arms’ length while they are in or near water.
• Only swim in water that has lifeguards.
• Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for non-swimmers and weak swimmers when in or near the water.

Seek Medical Help!

If your child has trouble breathing during or after swimming, call 9-1-1.

To learn more, visit: MyUH.Care/DrowningPrevention