Pediatric Water Safety: Essential Drowning Prevention Tips for Parents

Ensuring pediatric water safety in Missouri is a top priority for families, as drowning is the number one cause of death from unintentional injury in children ages 1 to 4. Most drownings happen quickly and silently—a child can slip underwater in seconds without splashing or calling for help. At Show-Me State Pediatrics, LLC, we are dedicated to serving families in the area with expert advice to keep kids safe near the water. The good news is that drowning is preventable. Here are five steps every family can take to promote water safety.

1. Watch Your Children — Every Second Counts

• When children are in or near water, an adult should be watching them at all times — not reading, not on a phone, not doing chores.
• For babies and toddlers, stay within arm’s reach (“touch supervision”) whenever they are near any water, including bathtubs, buckets, and kiddie pools.
• Designate one adult as the “water watcher” at all times. Take turns so no one gets distracted.
• Remember: most toddlers who drown in pools were not expected to be at the pool. Children can wander to water in moments.

 

2. Fence the Pool — All Four Sides

• If you have a pool (including above-ground and inflatable pools), surround it with a fence on all four sides — separating the pool from the house and yard.
• The fence should be at least 4 feet tall with vertical bars spaced less than 4 inches apart (so children cannot squeeze through or climb).
• Gates should close and latch by themselves. The latch should be at least 54 inches above the ground, out of a child’s reach.
• Remove ladders or steps from above-ground and portable pools when not in use.
• Empty inflatable and wading pools after each use and store them upside down.
• Pool covers and alarms are helpful additions but are not substitutes for a fence.

 

3. Teach Your Child to Swim

• The American Academy of Pediatrics supports swimming lessons for children starting at age 1, based on your child’s readiness and comfort in the water. Most children are ready for formal lessons by about age 4.
• Talk to your child’s doctor about when to start.
• Look for programs that teach basic skills: entering the water, floating, turning around, swimming at least 25 yards, and getting out safely.
•  Swimming lessons do not “drown-proof” your child. Even children who can swim still need supervision and other safety measures.
• If cost or access is a barrier, ask your pediatrician or local community center about free or low-cost programs.

 

4. Use Life Jackets — Every Time on the Water

• Whenever your child is on a boat, dock, or near open water (lakes, rivers, ocean), they should wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket that fits properly.
• Federal law requires life jackets for all children under 13 on recreational boats.
• Inflatable water wings, pool noodles, and swim rings are toys — they are not life jackets and will not prevent drowning.
• Adults should wear life jackets too — children learn by example.

 

5. Learn CPR — You Could Save a Life

• If a child is pulled from the water and is not breathing, CPR started immediately can make the difference between life and death.
• All parents, caregivers, and babysitters should learn CPR. Ask your pediatrician’s office, local fire department, or Red Cross about classes.
• Keep emergency numbers posted near your pool and saved in your phone.

 

Quick Safety Checklist

☐ A designated adult “water watcher” is always present when children are near water

☐ Pool is surrounded by a 4-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate

☐ Children are enrolled in (or have completed) swimming lessons

☐ Coast Guard–approved life jackets are available and used on boats and near open water

☐ At least one caregiver in the household is trained in CPR

☐ Bathtubs, buckets, and wading pools are emptied when not in use

 

When to Call 911

Call 911 immediately if a child is found unresponsive in or near water. Begin CPR right away while waiting for help to arrive. Even if a child seems fine after a water incident, see a doctor — complications can develop hours later.

 

Talk to Your Pediatrician

Your child’s doctor can help you decide when your child is ready for swim lessons, connect you with local programs, and answer any questions about keeping your family safe around water.  Contact us if you need assistance finding local resources for water safety.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this document is for educational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your pediatrician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.