Water, Swim, Safety Tips Education for Parents and Children

Drowning is silent, quick, and preventable—yet it’s a leading cause of death for children. The ZAC Foundation seeks to create a generational shift in how water safety is discussed and shared between parents, children, and beyond.

Drowning Risk by the Numbers

Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5–14 in the U.S.
Nearly 900 children die from drowning annually in the U.S., and an estimated 6,500 are treated in an emergency room for non-fatal incidents.
Boys are at a greater risk of drowning than girls at nearly every age.
88% of drownings occur with at least 1 adult present.
64% of Black children, 45% of Hispanic/Latino children, and 40% of white children have limited or no swimming skills.
15–17-year-olds have more than twice the risk of fatal drowning in natural water than those under 15 years.
Drowning is the most common cause of accidental death for individuals with epilepsy, and children with autism are 160 times more likely to drown than neurotypical peers

ABCDEs of Drowning Prevention

A is for Adult

Children should never have access to any form of water without an adult providing constant supervision. A caretaker should stay within arm’s reach if a child is still learning to swim.

B is for Barrier

Barriers, like fences, gates, closed doors, and locks should restrict children’s access to pools and water. Installed correctly, a pool fence that separates a house and a pool can reduce the risk of drowning by 83%.

C is for Classes

Swim lessons can reduce drowning risk by 88%. Consult your pediatrician to determine the right time to enroll your child. Caregivers should also take a CPR class to be ready in emergencies.

D is for Drains

Pool drains have powerful suction and can present a risk of entrapment and death. Remind your child to never go near a drain in a pool or hot tub and to tell an adult if a drain cover appears broken or loose.

E is for Everywhere

Water is everywhere—in bathtubs, buckets, pools, beaches, ponds, ditches, fish tanks, toilets, and even our pet’s water dish. Stay alert of the water, in all its form, and practice safe behaviors with your family.

Pool Safety Checklist

To prevent instances of drain entrapment, the ZAC Foundation recommends that private pools follow the public pool requirements set forth in the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, which requires at least two layers of protection.