Staying Safe in the Water Splashing, wading, and paddling. It must mean a great day in the water. Playing at the beach, by a lake, or in a pool can be a real treat on a hot day. But water can also mean danger, especially for kids who don't know how to stay safe in the water. Fish are able to live in water, but people need air to breathe.
People drown when too much water gets into their lungs .
When that happens, the lungs can't carry enough oxygen to the brain and the rest of the body. Drowning is the second biggest cause of accidental death among kids under the age of 14. Most drownings and near-drownings occur when a kid accidentally falls into a swimming pool. But accidents can happen anywhere, and that's why you need to know how to be safe around water. The Nemours Foundation is a nonprofit organization devoted to children's health and is the largest physician practice delivering subspecialty pediatric care in the United States.