Drowning

baby in bath with adult supporting

Be safe around baths

Babies can drown in as little as 5cm (two inches) of water. Drowning is one of the commonest causes of child death – it’s often silent, so you won’t necessarily hear any noise or struggle.

        Baths are the commonest place for babies and young children to drown.

  • Stay with your baby or toddler the whole time they're in the bath.
  • Never leave them for a moment, even if there’s an older brother or sister in the bath with them.
  • If you use a bath seat, remember that it’s not a safety device. You still need to stay with your baby all the time.
  • Empty the bath as soon as you’ve taken your child out.

 

Outside - Playing Safely

  • If you have a garden pond, fence it off, fill it in or securely cover it.
  • Put covers on any large water butts or garden bins.
  • Watch toddlers when they're in a paddling pool or playing near water. Empty the paddling pool straight after use.
  • Make sure your garden is secure so that your child can’t get into neighbouring gardens, where there may be ponds or other drowning hazards.
  • As soon as they are old enough, teach them about water safety and to swim.

Check out additional informationon water safety with Child Accident Prevention Trust.