Drowning Prevention

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Ventura County Fire Department Water Safety Video

Shocking Statistics About Drowning

Drowning is the leading cause of preventable death for children ages 1-4.
In California, drowning is the leading cause of death for children under 14.
Children less than a year old are more likely to drown at home in a bathroom or bucket.
Children 1-4 years old are more likely to drown in a pool.
Children 5 years of age and older are more likely to drown in open water such as the ocean, lake, pond or rivers.

water collage - drowning is silent

Tips to Stay Safe in the Water

Know your pools. If you go to public swimming pools, be sure they meet safety inspection standards. Check to see if a local swimming pool is on Environmental Health's swimming pool closure list. Also follow these ten swimming safety tips:

Supervise, Supervise, Supervise! - Tragedy can strike in seconds!
- Download, print, and use our Designated Child Watcher tag.
- Always swim with a buddy - never swim alone.
Teach your kids to swim, but don't just rely on swim lessons to make your child "water safe".
Learn CPR
Feet first - Never dive into shallow or unknown water.
Keep rescue equipment nearby. Inflatable toys are not life preservers.
Use the Layers of Protection.
- Keep all window and doors to the pool area closed and locked
- Install fencing & self-latching gates around your pool.
- Install alarms and secondary locking devices at home
Avoid alcohol or drugs and swimming.
Know what drowning looks like - drowning people usually cannot call for help.
Follow the rules - adhere to all rules and warning flags.
Know your limits - don't try to swim further than you can or hold your breath.