Preventing Child Drowning: What To Know

Every year, drowning shatters families in ways that statistics alone can’t fully capture. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children under 5, and the second leading cause for children ages 5 to 14.

For families, the trauma of a drowning or near drowning brings lasting heartbreak. The emotional toll can be long-term, affecting every part of daily life. In addition to the grief, medical bills, counseling costs, and missed work can place serious financial strain on those already facing so much.

As pools reopen for the summer, the risk of drowning rises, especially in places like backyard pools, apartment complexes, and hotel resorts. Knowing where these tragedies most often occur and taking effective safety steps can help prevent the next one.

The Importance of National Water Safety Month

May is National Water Safety Month, a time to highlight the simple steps that can save lives. Through local programs and public awareness efforts, families, schools, and caregivers are reminded that everyday actions can prevent tragic accidents.

This month emphasizes drowning prevention efforts such as:

• Early swim education and water confidence for children
• Ongoing supervision around pools and open water
• Use of barriers like fencing, gates, and alarms
• CPR and first aid training for adults and caregivers
• Safe maintenance and oversight of private and public swim areas

Each of these steps supports the larger goal of keeping kids safe before a tragedy occurs.

Where Child Drownings Commonly Occur

Many drowning incidents occur in everyday places, settings where parents often feel it’s safe to relax or assume someone else is keeping watch.

These common locations include:

• Home Swimming Pools: Around 87% of child drownings occur in backyard pools, often during a moment of distraction or when a gate is left open, a latch malfunctions, or there’s no protective fencing in place to keep unsupervised children from accessing the pool.
• Hot Tubs and Spas: Small children can quickly slip under the surface in hot tubs, especially when the covers are off, and no one is nearby to intervene.
• Public Pools: Even with lifeguards on duty, crowded public pools make it harder to notice when a child is struggling or disappears beneath the water.
• Water Parks: Multiple attractions, large crowds, and sprawling pool areas can make it difficult for staff and caregivers to keep track of every swimmer.
• Beaches and Lakes: Natural water carries hidden dangers, such as strong currents, sudden drop-offs, and unclear depths, which can overwhelm even experienced swimmers.
• Bathtubs and Water-Filled Containers: Infants and toddlers can drown in as little as 1 to 2 inches of water. A quick step away during bath time or a brief moment of inattention near a water table or open container can lead to a life-threatening situation.

While these places vary in size and setting, they all have preventable dangers that often go overlooked. When unsafe conditions or poor supervision lead to drowning, property owners may be legally responsible.

Who May Be Liable in a Child Drowning Incident?

Under premises liability laws, property owners must maintain safe conditions for visitors, with added responsibility when children are involved. Because children may not recognize danger or know to avoid hazardous areas, property owners must take extra steps, like installing 48-inch tall barriers around pools to prevent access by unaccompanied children.

Depending on where and how it happened, liability may fall on one or more of the following:

• Homeowners with pools, hot tubs, or open water features without fencing
• Landlords of apartment complexes with shared pools without fencing or lifeguards
• Hotels or resorts offering swim access to guests
• Municipalities that operate public pools, splash pads, or beaches
• Water park operators and management companies

When a child is injured or passes away due to a property owner’s negligence, families may have grounds for a legal claim. If you are facing this devastating situation, an experienced St. Louis premises liability lawyer can explain your options and help you pursue compensation for your loss.

Water Safety Tips: Essential Steps To Prevent Child Drowning

Preventing drowning starts with active supervision, emergency readiness, and physical barriers that limit unsupervised access to water.

These safety steps can help keep children safe:

• Supervise Without Distraction: Stay focused when children are in or near water. Put away phones, avoid side conversations, and assign a designated water watcher during group gatherings.
• Install Fencing and Alarms: To block unsupervised access, pool owners must install four-sided pool fencing with self-latching gates. For extra protection, they should add door and pool alarms. Without these features, property owners may be liable if a child accesses the pool and is injured, even if they were on the property without the owner’s knowledge or permission.
• Enroll in Swimming Lessons: Start swim lessons early to help children build confidence and survival skills. Community centers and YMCAs often provide classes by age group.
• Use Life Jackets: Choose Coast Guard-approved life jackets for boating and open water. Avoid relying on inflatables or pool toys for safety.
• Learn CPR and First Aid: Take a certified CPR course and first aid class to prepare for emergencies. Quick action can save a child’s life before help arrives.
• Keep Pool Areas Clear: Store toys, floaties, and gear when not in use to prevent children from wandering toward the water.
• Stay Alert at Public Pools: Lifeguards provide oversight, but they can’t watch every swimmer. Parents and caregivers should stay nearby and actively watch their own children.

When practiced consistently, these simple habits can help save lives.

Get Legal Support After a Drowning Accident

Drowning is a preventable tragedy that continues to impact families across St. Louis and Missouri. While safety measures reduce the risk, negligence by property owners or facility operators can lead to heartbreaking consequences.

The shock and anguish after a child’s near-drowning or drowning is unimaginable. At Cofman Townsley, we recognize the pain and uncertainty affected families face. If your child was seriously injured or drowned due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve answers and compassionate support.

Our legal team will carefully review what happened, explain your rights, and guide you through the steps to seek compensation for your child’s injuries or wrongful death.

Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We are committed to helping victims and their families pursue fair compensation and easing the psychological and financial burdens they face.