Drowning Prevention Facts - Make A Splash Foundation

Every 44 Seconds

A child drowns somewhere in the world

📊 Critical Statistics

#1 Cause of Death

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 in the United States

2nd Leading Cause

Second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14

Less Than 2 Minutes

A child can drown in the time it takes to answer the phone

Silent Killer

Drowning is often silent - no splashing, no waving, no calling for help

88% Reduction

Formal swim lessons reduce drowning risk by 88% for children 1-4 years old

1-2 Inches of Water

Young children can drown in as little as 1-2 inches of water

⚠️ Risk Factors

Age

Children 1-4 years: Highest drowning rates
Toddlers: Most vulnerable due to curiosity and lack of awareness
Teen boys: Higher risk due to overconfidence and risk-taking

Location

75% of drownings for children under 5 occur in home pools
Bathtubs, buckets, toilets: Common drowning locations for infants/toddlers
Open water: Lakes, rivers, and oceans pose significant risks

Lack of Barriers

Most drownings occur when a child unexpectedly enters the water
Homes without 4-sided pool fencing have higher drowning rates
Unsecured pool gates and no alarms increase risk

Supervision Gaps

Most drownings happen when supervision lapses for less than 5 minutes
Distractions (phones, socializing) contribute to drownings
Adult may be present but not actively watching

✅ Prevention Strategies

LAYERS OF PROTECTION

No single strategy is enough. Use all layers together:

1. SUPERVISION (Most Important!)

Constant, focused supervision within arm's reach
Designate a "Water Watcher" - no distractions
Never leave children unattended near water
Know CPR - can save a life

2. BARRIERS

4-sided pool fence (at least 4 feet high)
Self-closing, self-latching gates
Door and window alarms
Pool covers (but not substitute for fence)

3. SWIM LESSONS

Start as early as 6 months with survival swim training
Focus on survival skills: floating, breath control, self-rescue
Continue lessons through childhood
Practice year-round, not just summer

4. EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Learn CPR and keep skills current
Keep rescue equipment poolside
Have a phone nearby for emergencies
Practice emergency drills

Prevention Works!

With proper precautions, most drownings are preventable