Prevention starts with awareness:

Drowning is the #1 cause of accidental death in children ages 1-4 years old and the #2 cause of death in children ages 5-14 years old.

Every year, thousands of children suffer from anoxic brain injuries due to drowning and other oxygen-related accidents. The good news? Most of these tragedies are preventable.  

At FAIR, we're committed to educating families, pediatricians, and communities about the lifesaving steps they can take to prevent drowning and other anoxic brain injuries.  

Want free drowning prevention brochures for your pediatric office? Email Cheryl@FAIRsupport.org or click the Contact link below.  

Drowning Prevention: The Basics

Drowning is silent and fast and often happens when parents are nearby.

Here's what you need to know:  

It happens fast: Drowning can occur in as little as 30 seconds.  

It's silent: There is no splashing or screaming—just slipping under the water.  

Supervision isn't enough: 88% of drownings happen when at least one parent is supervising.  

Even small amounts of water can be deadly: Kiddie pools, bathtubs, toilets, and buckets pose serious risks to small children.  

The Layers of Protection: How to Keep Kids Safe  

Preventing drowning requires multiple layers of protection—no single safety measure is enough on its own.  

1. Supervision: Always Be Alert

Always stay within arm's reach of young children around water.  

"Just a few seconds" is all it takes—never leave kids unsupervised, even for a moment.  

No distractions—put down the phone and give water activities 100% of your attention.  

2. Barriers & Safety Measures  

Install self-latching pool gates that are at least 4 feet high  

Use door alarms and pool covers to prevent unsupervised access.  

Empty bathtubs, kiddie pools, and buckets immediately after use.  

3. Water Safety Education & ISR Lessons  

Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) lessons can teach children self-rescue skills.  

Teach kids water rules early—no running or diving- and always ask before entering.  

Wear life jackets near open water—lakes, rivers, and boats require extra precautions.  

4. Emergency Preparedness  

Learn CPR & rescue techniques—every second counts in a drowning emergency.  

Call 911 immediately if a child is found in the water, even if they seem okay.  

Seek medical care after any water incident—anoxic injuries can develop even hours later.  

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Misconceptions About Water Safety & Anoxic Brain Injury  

Many parents believe drowning, and anoxic brain injuries only happen to "other families." The truth is, drowning is the #1 cause of accidental death for children under 5, and most incidents happen to loving, attentive parents who thought they were doing everything right.  

"I was watching my child the whole time."  

✔ Reality: 88% of drownings happen when at least one parent is supervising. Drowning is silent—it happens in seconds, and a child can slip under without a sound.  

"We don't have a pool, so we're safe."  

✔ Reality: Kids can drown in as little as 2 inches of water. Bathtubs, toilets, sinks, buckets, and even pet water bowls can be deadly to small children.  

"I only turned my back for a second."

✔ Reality: That's all it takes. Drowning can happen in under 30 seconds—by the time you look up from your phone or step away to grab a towel; it may be too late.  

"We only swim when an adult is present."

✔ Reality: Many drowning incidents happen outside of swim time—when a child unexpectedly gains access to water. This is why pool fences, locked gates, and alarms are essential.  

"My child is a strong swimmer."

✔ Reality: Even experienced swimmers can drown. Fatigue, unexpected falls, and panic can cause a child to struggle in water—even in pools they're familiar with.  

"My child is too young for swim lessons."  

✔ Reality: ISR (Infant Swimming Resource) lessons can teach self-rescue skills as early as 6 months. These lessons are designed to help infants and toddlers survive if they fall into the water.  

"CPR will bring my child back if something happens."  

✔ Reality: While CPR is crucial, it doesn't always reverse the damage of an anoxic brain injury. Prevention is the only way to ensure a drowning incident never happens in the first place.  

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Other Causes of Anoxic Brain Injury in Children

While drowning is the most common cause of anoxic brain injury, other preventable situations can also lead to oxygen deprivation in children once they are home:  

Choking and suffocation: Always follow safe sleep guidelines, cut food into small pieces, and keep small objects out of reach.  

Electrocution & Strangulation: Secure electrical outlets, keep cords and wires out of reach, and ensure window blind cords are tied up or removed.  

Never leave a child in a hot car, even for a minute. Heatstroke can cause rapid oxygen deprivation.  

Entrapment and compression Injuries: Ensure furniture is anchored, avoid placing cribs near windows, and check that toy chests, coolers, and laundry machines cannot trap a child inside.  

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Install carbon monoxide detectors in your home, and never use generators or gas appliances indoors without proper ventilation. 

Get Involved in Drowning Prevention  

Prevention starts with education and action. Here's how you can help:  

✔ Request FREE drowning prevention brochures for your pediatric office  

✔ Apply for an ISR Scholarship to enroll your child in self-rescue swim lessons   

✔ Share water safety tips with family, friends, and social media  

Together, we can prevent drowning and protect children from anoxic brain injury.

Have questions or want to partner with FAIR? Email Cheryl@FAIRsupport.org or contact us here:

Learn more about ISR and scholarships available here: