Water safety begins long before a child enters a pool, lake, or ocean—sometimes even in the bathtub. According to Prevent Child Abuse Florida, parents should never leave a child unattended, even for a moment, while bathing. It’s vital to stay within arm’s reach, keep all necessary items close by, and remove bath toys immediately after use to prevent unsupervised return to the tub. These simple precautions significantly reduce the risk of drowning accidents and reinforce constant parental focus.
Misinformation about drowning can put children at risk. Data from 2024 indicates that 84% of drownings occurred when children were not expected to be swimming, and drowning is often quiet and swift—resembling a still, vertical posture with little to no splashing or noise. This highlights that even strong swimmers, or those near water without actively swimming, remain vulnerable. Recognizing these “silent” signs and maintaining vigilant supervision are crucial steps in preventing tragic incidents. Physical barriers are another important defense. The organization emphasizes installing secure fences and locked gates around pools and other water features to prevent children from wandering into danger . Pool toys and floaties should be removed and stored after swim sessions to avoid enticing kids back into the water unsupervised. These layers of protection provide additional time for caregivers to intervene before an accident occurs. Children on the autism spectrum can face higher drowning risks, accounting for about one in four child drownings in Florida despite representing a much smaller fraction of the population. Customized safety training, constant supervision, and clear communication tailored to each child’s needs are essential. Prevent Child Abuse Florida offers virtual water-safety training to educate caregivers on best practices, from emergency response to drowning prevention strategies. Ultimately, being a proactive “Water Watcher” — staying present, aware, and engaged — is the strongest safeguard families can employ
