Drowning Prevention
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Drowning is a common cause of injuries and death among children in California, especially among toddlers one to four years of age. In California (2006), nearly 300 children under the age of 18 were hospitalized for near-drowning submersions and another 97 children died in drowning events. Toddlers accounted for the vast majority of these drowning deaths, due in part to their natural curiosity of water and their limited cognitive ability to understand the dangers. Those who survive a “near drowning” often experience long-term consequences including moderate to severe brain damage and learning disabilities.
Residential pool and spa drowning are most common among children between the ages of one to four years old. For toddlers, drowning has been called a “silent killer” because the child often does not make any noise during the incident, which happens quickly. Prevention for toddlers requires "layers of protection" including active and constant supervision (e.g. assigned Water Watchers) and use of barriers to separate the toddlers from water (e.g. four-sided fencing surrounding pools and spas).
Older children drown more often in natural bodies of water. Teens and adolescents tend to have greater motor skills, more independence, and are more capable of recognizing dangerous situations then toddlers. However, they are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors around water (e.g., using alcohol or other drugs, showing off, not wearing life jackets). Adolescents and young adult can avoid drowning by never swimming alone, avoiding alcohol and other drugs, and using approved life jackets.
For more information on drowning prevention, please visit:
->California Programs
->National Programs
->International Programs
->Swimming Associations
->Related Materials and Publications
->Best, Good, and Promising Practices
->California Laws and Regulations
California Programs
- California Chapter 4, American Academy of Pediatrics: Foundations for Drowning Surveillance Project
- California Department of Boating and Waterways
- California Department of Developmental Services: Drowning Prevention
- California Department of Public Health: Drowning Prevention- Toddler Pool and Spa Safety
National Programs
- Alaska Marine Safety Education Association
- CDC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control: Water-Related Injuries
- Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona
- Foundation for Aquatic Injury Prevention
- Lifesaving Resources Inc.
- National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
- National Drowning Prevention Alliance
- National Water Safety Congress
- National Spa and Pool Institute: Spa and Pool Safety- Children Aren’t Waterproof
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Water Safety
- U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Division
- Washington State Drowning Prevention Network: Stay on Top of It Program
- World Waterparks Association: Be Water Aware
International Programs
- Canadian Red Cross Society: Swimming and Boating Safety- Canada
- International Life Saving Federation - Belgium
Swimming Associations
- American Swimming Coaches' Association
- National Swimming Pool Foundation
- U.S.A. Swimming
- U.S. Lifesaving Association
- U.S. Swim School Association
Related Materials and Publications
- California Childcare Health Program: Stop Injuries, Drowning Prevention Poster [pdf, 522KB*]
- National Safety Council: Water Safety Tips
- Safe Kids Worldwide: Pool and Spa Drowning- A National Study of Drain Entrapment and Pool Safety Measures Booklet [pdf, 730KB*]
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Pool and Spa Safety Publications
- U.S. Department of Human Services National Institute of Health: Swimming Lessons Do Not Increase Drowning Risk in Young Children
*PDF documents require Adobe Reader. Download Adobe Reader for free.
Best, Good, and Promising Practices for Drowning Prevention
- American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on the Prevention of Drowning in Infants, Children, and Adolescents
- American Academy of Pediatrics Policy Statement on Swimming Programs for Infants and Toddlers
- CDC National Center for Injury Prevention and Control: Water-Related Injuries
- Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center Best Practices: Drowning Prevention
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Neighborhood Safety Network- Drowning Prevention
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: PoolSafety.gov
California Laws and Regulations
The following links provides a brief description of relevant laws and regulations. For more information click on the provided link which will take you to leginfo.ca.gov, select the appropriate code type, enter the code number, and press search.
