Toddlers are at high risk because they are mobile, curious and require constant, close supervision by an adult. Most toddler drownings occur when children are alone, even for "a moment" and fall in while playing near water.
Children under five years of age depend on parents and caregivers because they cannot protect or rescue themselves.
Important facts and reminders:
If you are not within arms' reach of your children anytime they are around water, you are too far.
Drowning is a silent killer and can happen in as little as 10 seconds. Parents and caregivers must be within arms' reach of their children whenever they are near water - in the backyard, at the beach, and in the bathroom. Simple things like reading or checking your phone can easily result in a lapse in attentiveness long enough for a child to get into trouble.
Restrict and control access to water for children - make sure they can't get to water without you.
Many toddlers drown because they unexpectedly gained access to the water - the backyard pool, the lake or the bathtub. Typically, human error leads to a gate or door being left open or a lock unsecured.
If you can't eliminate the water hazard, restrict access to it by fencing off natural or manmade bodies of water on your property and ensure that gates are self-closing and self-latching. Drain bathtubs when not in use, and empty unattended wading pools and buckets of water and turn them over. Layers of protection will reduce the chance of human error.
Put toddlers in a lifejacket.
Water wings do not save lives, as they do not keep the body upright and head above water. Instead, as an extra layer of protection, put toddlers in a lifejacket when they are near water. Lifejackets do not replace attentive supervision, but will keep a toddler at the surface, which may give parents the seconds they need to save a life.
Designate a backyard pool "lifeguard."
An adult should always supervise children using a pool - in-ground, above-ground or wading pool. If one adult must be absent for a moment, designate a replacement or close the pool until someone can assume supervisory duties.
Enroll in Parent & Tot aquatic programs.
A positive introduction to water can give your child a lifetime of swimming pleasure.
Bathtub safety
Bathtub safety is just as important as pool safety! Bathrooms have several danger zones, especially for infants and young children.
Here are some tips to ensure bath time is safe and successful:
- Gather all the items you will need during and after the bath.
- Keep all electrical appliances such as hair dryers unplugged and out of reach.
- Test the water temperature. Water should be warm but not hot – around 100°F / 38°C.
- Use a non-slip bathmat and ensure it’s secure.
- Never leave the child unattended, even for a moment. Always keep your eyes on them.
- Keep one hand on the baby at all times.
- Fill the tub with only 1–2 inches of water for infants.
- Carefully place the child in the water feet first.
- Carefully lift the baby out of the tub. To improve grip, consider using a towel or cloth.
- Empty the tub, basin, or sink right away. Do not leave until it is completely empty. Most bathtub drownings occur because children are left alone for "just for a moment" and babies can drown in as little as 1 inch of water.
Download our handy bath safety checklist for bathing infants and young children - Checklist in English / Checklist in French
Tips for parents and caregivers of children Under 5
Our Water Smart tip cards come in a variety of languages. Order physical copies of this and other cards at lifeguarddepot.com.
Learn to Swim
Basic swimming ability is a fundamental requirement in any meaningful attempt to eliminate drowning in Canada. The Lifesaving Society offers training programs from learn-to-swim through advanced lifesaving, lifeguarding and leadership.
Our Swim for Life program stresses lots of in-water practice to develop solid swimming strokes and skills. We incorporate valuable Water Smart® education that will last a lifetime.
Swim to Survive is a Lifesaving Society survival training program. Swim to Survive is not a substitute for swimming lessons; instead, it defines the minimum skills needed to survive an unexpected fall into deep water. People of all ages should be able to perform the Society's Swim to Survive standard.