Drowning risks inside the house for small children

More children ages 1 to 4 die from drowning than from any other cause. Nearly 90 children drown inside the home each year, two-thirds of them in the bathtub, and a child can drown in 2 inches of water. A child who slips under rarely splashes or cries out.

Most of the children who drown in tubs, buckets and other water at home are under 2. The usual cause is a short gap in watching them, such as an adult leaving the room for a moment.

Bath time

• Keep a young child within arm's reach for the whole bathWatch a child in a bath seat just as closely.
• Take the child with you if you have to leave the bathroomMany of these drownings happen in the minute a caregiver steps out to answer the phone or the door.
• Never leave an older child in charge of a baby in the tub
• Drain the tub before you leave the bathroom

Buckets, toilets and other water

• Empty buckets right after you use themEven a little liquid left in a bucket is a hazard. Toddlers are top-heavy, and one who falls headfirst into a bucket often can't get back out.
• Store buckets where a toddler can't reach them
• Don't leave buckets outside where they can fill with rainwater
• Keep the toilet lids down, and add a lid lock
• Empty any tub or basin holding liquid when you're done with it

When a child is near water

• Name one adult to watch each child near waterThe person watching puts the phone and the book down and skips the alcohol.
• Shut and lock the doors that lead to a pool or spa after swim time
• Check the pool or spa first if a child goes missingMost children who drown were missing for 5 minutes or less.
• Learn CPRCPR started right away can save a life in the minutes before help arrives.

Do the walk again whenever a baby starts to crawl, and look for the water hazards when you visit another home. Pool and spa safety covers the fence, the gate and the alarms for a pool at home.