Although all age groups are represented, children 0-4 have the highest death rate due to drowning. Most drowning and near-drowning happen when a child falls into a pool or is left alone in the bathtub. If you must leave, take your child with you. The U.S. Coast Guard estimates nearly 9 of 10 drowning victims were not wearing one. Remove toys from in and around the pool when not in use.
Toys can attract children to the pool.
For pools, barriers can offer added protection against drowning. Power or manual covers will completely cover a pool and block access to the water, however, be sure to drain any standing water from the surface of the pool cover as a child can drown in very small amounts of water. Enroll children over age three in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors. Older children risk drowning when they overestimate their swimming ability or underestimate the water depth. Don't dive into unknown bodies of water.