When considering prevention measures for dry drowning, it’s important to understand that it may take only a minute or two for death or long-term damage to occur. Constant supervision during the bath or anytime a child is swimming or near water of any depth is imperative.
Preventative measures include:
- Always ensure that everyone in a boat wears a life jacket at all times.
- Enroll your children in swim lessons instructed by trained professionals.
- If your child is near a pool, make sure it is fenced and the gate is kept closed at all times.
- Never allow children to play near the beach unless supervised by an adult.
- Never swim alone.
- Don’t swim at a beach unless a lifeguard is present.
- Do not walk on icy lakes.
- Supervise toddlers and small children when they are near any type of body of water, including spas, hot tubs, bathtubs, pools, ponds, and lakes.