Monday, June 1, 2026
Drowning is preventable — and no single safeguard does the job alone
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4, and risk climbs as pools, lakes, and beaches reopen for the season.
The AAP recommends stacking several "layers of protection" — close supervision, four-sided pool fencing, swim lessons, and life jackets — because no single measure prevents every tragedy.
The good news: these steps are simple, and together they make summer water play safe and fun.
For babies and young children, stay close enough to reach out and touch them at all times near water. Put your phone down and keep your eyes on the kids.
A 4-foot, four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate separates the pool from the house and yard. It is one of the most effective ways to prevent drowning.
The AAP says most children can begin swim lessons after their first birthday, depending on readiness. Lessons add a layer of safety but never replace supervision.
Offer kids water often during hot play instead of waiting for them to say they're thirsty. Babies under 6 months get extra breast milk or formula, not water.
Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sun and dress them in lightweight long sleeves and a brimmed hat. For older kids, use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ and reapply every 2 hours.
Early summer is the moment for proactive water-safety counseling. Build a quick "layers of protection" prompt into well-child visits this season — ask about pool fencing, life jackets, and supervision plans, and offer CPR resources to caregivers. A two-minute conversation now can prevent the season's most devastating injuries.
Source: AAP drowning prevention and water safety guidance
