Keeping Kids Safe Around Water: What Every Parent Should Know

Summer in Minnesota means lake days, backyard pools, sprinkler runs, and bathtub splash parties. As a pediatrician, I recognize that water play can be a wonderful way for kids to relax, exercise, and socialize. I also know that drowning is a leading cause of death in childhood, especially for toddlers. Drowning is fast, it is silent, and it can happen to any family. Thankfully, drowning is highly preventable when families take appropriate safety measures including age and situation-specific precautions to reduce risk and allow children to get wet and wild safely.

1. Treat any standing water as a hazard, from day one.

Babies can drown in as little as one inch of water. Bathtubs, buckets, toilets, kiddie pools, even the dog’s water bowl can quickly become a danger. Never leave an infant or toddler alone near water, even for a moment, and reduce distractions like cell phones while supervising children in or around water. For babies under a year old, use touch supervision, keeping an eye and a and on your child, especially during bathtime.  

1. Stay within arm’s reach of curious toddlers.

Little ones are explorers, and their curiosity and adventurousness should be nurtured but also respected. Whenever your toddler is near water, an attentive adult should be within arm’s reach. Water receptacles like buckets, bathtubs, water tables and wading pools should be emptied after use. Latches can be installed on toilet seats, plugs removed from toilets to avoid accidental filling, and bathroom doors should be kept closed. Latches on doors and doorknob covers can add another layer of bathroom safety.

1. Start swimming lessons when your child is ready.

Swimming is not just a fun activity, it is a life skill, especially in a state with as much water as Minnesota. Formal swimming lessons reduce drowning risk, and most school-aged children are developmentally ready to swim. Lessons for younger children, especially under a year of age, help children gain strength, coordination, and confidence in the water. Swimming lessons are one layer of protection, but even strong swimmers should be supervised. Lessons are recommended for most children starting around age 1, depending on developmental readiness. Talk with your pediatrician about timing. Lessons are a layer of protection, not a substitute for one — even strong swimmers need supervision.

4. If you own a pool, build the right fence.

Swimming pools, including large, inflatable above-ground pools and other temporary pools, should be completely surrounded by a fence on all 4 sides. Pool fences should be entirely separated from your house. Fences should be at least 4 feet tall, have no gaps under or between slats more than 4 inches wide, and should have self-closing and self-latching gates. Keep toys out of the pool area when not in use so children are not tempted to get through the fence during non-swim time. Spas and whirlpools should be covered and locked after use.

4. Coach your tweens and teens.

Older kids drown most often in lakes, rivers, and oceans, where currents, depth, and water temperature can surprise even confident swimmers. No one should swim alone. Insist on U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for boating, tubing, and open water. Be a good role model for your teen: wear your life jacket and never swim or operate watercraft after consuming alcohol or other judgment-impairing substances.

Water safety is built in layers: supervision, barriers, swim skills, life jackets, and CPR training for caregivers. No single layer is foolproof; together, they save lives. If you have questions about when to start swimming lessons, CPR classes in our area, or your child’s readiness for any water activity, bring it up at your next visit. We are here to help you and your child enjoy water safely.