Drowning Prevention Tips

There is no immunization for drowning, it’s a silent killer. Drowning is the leading cause of death for Arizona’s children from ages 1-5 and yearly there are twice as many adult drownings. The good news is drowning is preventable.

Banner Children's offers the following drowning prevention tips:

• There should always be an adult as the “life guard on duty” giving eye to eye supervision and close enough to touch.
• Never leave a child alone while in the bathtub, not even for a second.
• Make sure the entire family knows how to swim. Start swimming lessons at a young age.
• Empty buckets and other containers and store upside down. It only takes a few inches of water for children to drown.Close and lock toilet lids.
• Learn and practice CPR and take refresher courses every other year.
• Keep rescue equipment, a telephone and emergency numbers poolside.
• Surround pools and spas with a five-foot high fence with a self closing and self-latching gate.
• Canals are dangerous attraction for children! Don’t let your children play around canals.
• Wear a US Coast Guard approved life jacket when boating, near open bodies of water or when participating in water sports.
• Water wings, floaties and air-filled toys are not lifesaving devices. Life jackets should be worn in the pool instead.
• Feet first, first time when diving into water.
• Adults always swim with a buddy, wear life jackets at lakes and rivers, never swim impaired.

View our infographic on Drowning Facts and Stats. 

Water Safety Coloring Sheet

We want your kids to have fun while learning about the importance of water safety and drowning prevention. Print out our coloring sheet to learn about the ABC's of water safety.