Drowning is one of the most common causes of injury-related deaths in children. In addition, for every child age 14 and younger who drowns, three other children receive emergency medical care for injuries sustained during submersion in water.

From the time children are very young, they develop a curiosity about water that makes drowning a serious risk. People often think of pools, lakes and other large bodies of water as the primary sites of drowning danger for children. While many children drown in such circumstances, children under the age of one year are actually most likely to drown in bathtubs, buckets and toilets.

Drowning often occurs suddenly and without warning. Children can drown in less than 2 inches (5 centimeters) of water in a matter of just a few minutes. After the first year of life, males have a higher risk of drowning than females.

Parents, caregivers or others who see a child drowning should try to save the child without getting into the water. If it is not possible to reach the child from land, grab a towel, rope, life preserver or other sturdy object and swim out to the child.

Parents and other caretakers can take many steps to lower their child’s risk of drowning. When children are young, empty water from a bathtub, pail or any other container immediately after use. Add childproof locks to toilet lids or latches to bathroom doors and store buckets in safe places.

As children grow older, there is an increased risk that they will drown in bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, oceans and pools. The risk of drowning can be reduced – but not eliminated – by teaching children to swim and to follow other safety steps.