Drowning is a leading cause of unintentional death. Most drownings and near-drownings happen when a child unintentionally falls into a pool or is left alone in the tub.

Children under age 5 are especially at high risk. 
It only takes an inch of water and a few moments for a child to drown.

It could happen in a bathtub, kiddie pool, toilet bowl, bucket or fishpond.

• Never leave a young child alone or with a sibling in the tub. 
• Enroll children over age 3 in swimming lessons taught by qualified instructors. But keep in mind that lessons don't make your child "drown-proof."
• Never let older children swim in unsupervised areas like quarries, rivers, canals or ponds. Older kids are at risk of drowning when they overestimate their swimming abilities.
• When boating, always wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation device on or near water.

Teach Your Swimmers these Four Key Rules

• Swim with a buddy, never alone.
• Don't dive or jump into bodies of water. Always wade in first to avoid hitting your head on a shallow bottom.
• Don't push or jump on others.
• Be prepared for an emergency. Learn CPR, which can save a child's life in the critical moments after an injury.