Water brings joy and connection at every age — from toddlers splashing in the shallow end to teens swimming with friends to grandparents enjoying a day at the lake. But water safety isn’t just a concern for the youngest swimmers; every age group faces risks that require different levels of care and attention. 

The level of supervision needed varies depending on whether you are working with a baby, a confident young swimmer, or an older adult who may face health challenges. Yet the need for attentiveness never goes away. When we understand how much supervision children, adults, and older family members need, we create safer moments in and around the water — moments filled with joy instead of tragedy because one watchful moment can make all the difference.

Continue reading to learn about the level of supervision required for each age group and discover the essential gear, barriers, and habits that make water time safer.

Quick Drowning Facts

The numbers tell a powerful story. Drowning can happen quickly, quietly, and to anyone — often when we least expect it. These quick facts highlight just how common and preventable drowning can be. They reveal why water demands our full attention and why simple, proactive steps can save lives. Use them as a reminder to stay alert, prepare wisely, and protect the people you love whenever you’re near water.

• Drowning is fast and silent. It can happen in as little as 20-60 seconds and in as little as two inches of water.

• In the US, drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death.
• 80% of child drownings happen in a residential pool while an adult is present.

Quick Guide: Supervision by Age

• Babies (0-12 months): Stay hands-on, within arm’s reach every second, even in the bath. Drain tubs immediately; infants can drown in as little as 1 to 2 inches of water.
• Toddlers (1-4 years): Use “touch supervision” — stay in the water and within arm’s reach; assign a dedicated Water Watcher with no distractions. Add a four-sided fence with self-closing, self-latching gates.
• School-age (5-9): Maintain constant, close visual supervision. Weak or inexperienced swimmers: arm’s reach and a US Coast Guard–approved life jacket.
• Preteens (10-12): Employ eye-to-eye supervision; enforce the buddy system, permission to enter water, and life jackets for weak swimmers and all boating. 
• Teens (13-17): Risk rises again in the teen years — keep an adult present, swim near lifeguards, no alcohol or drugs, and always wear life jackets on boats. 
• Older adults: Adults 65-plus have the second-highest drowning rate; swim with others and wear life jackets when boating. 

The Layers of Protection Everyone Should Use

• Focused adult supervision: Assign a Water Watcher; avoid phones and chats.
• Barriers: Install four-sided isolation fencing, self-closing or latched gates, door and pool alarms, and compliant drain covers.
• Life jackets: Ensure they are US Coast Guard-approved and properly fitted.
• Swim skills and lifeguards: Lessons increase safety; choose lifeguarded areas. 

Boats, Life Jackets, and “Floaties”

• Federal rule: When a vessel is underway, children under 13 must wear a US Coast Guard–approved life jacket (states may require more). 
• Why it matters: In 2023, 75% of boating deaths were drownings, and 87% of those victims weren’t wearing a life jacket. 
• Skip the floaties: Water wings, arm bands, and inflatables are toys, not safety devices. Use USCG-approved life jackets instead. 

Fences, Alarms, and Drains: Home Pool Must-Haves

• Four-sided isolation fencing that surrounds the pool, not just the yard or house, is best.
• Fences should be at least 4 ft (48 in.) high (5 feet is preferable), with self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool.
• Use door alarms and keep pet doors closed to prevent access to pools.
• Public pools must have anti-entrapment drain covers under federal law (Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act). 

Open Water: Rip Currents and Lifeguards

• Choose lifeguarded beaches: The chance of a fatal drowning at a United States Lifesaving Association-guarded beach is about 1 in 18 million. 
• If you get caught in a rip current: Don’t fight it. Float, swim parallel to shore, and then signal for help. Check the National Weather Service surf forecast before you go. 

Swim Lessons and CPR

• Start swim lessons when your child is developmentally ready, often around age one, and continue building their skills. Lessons do not drown-proof any child. 
• Learn CPR. Early CPR can save lives. 

Help Us Prevent Drowning

Water has the power to bring families together, but it also demands our respect and care. By providing the right amount of supervision at every age — and utilizing simple tools such as barriers, life jackets, and clear rules — we can transform fun days at the pool, beach, or lake into safe memories that last a lifetime. Stay watchful, stay prepared, and most of all, stay connected as a family in and around the water. Share this guide with friends and family, and help make every water activity a safe one.

Together, we can end the heartache of losing a loved one due to drowning. Your gift is an opportunity to help us prevent drowning through funding our water safety outreach programs, including initiatives that target schools and community groups to keep everyone safe. You can also participate in our Water Safety Challenge to assess your family’s or community’s water safety competence and help us deliver water safety outreach to schools and community groups, keeping everyone safe.

Wishing you a safe and fun time on and in the water!