Tag Archive for: layers of protection

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10 Open Water Safety Tips

10 open water safety tips

Lakes, beaches, and rivers are popular destinations for families during spring break and the summer season. It’s the best way to have some fun family time and remain cool as soon as temperatures rise. Consider the open-water safety tips below if you decide to go this route on your next vacation.

Most children in the U.S. drown in open water, which includes natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and oceans, as well as man-made bodies of water like canals, reservoirs, and retention ponds. In 2016, open-water drownings made up 43 percent of fatal childhood drownings.*

Beaches are a favorite destination during the summer months

The first thing needed to prevent drowning incidents when in open water is learning how to swim, which has proven to be a lifesaving skill that can reduce the chances of drowning by 88%. Following the open water safety tips below will also ensure you have the most amount of fun by reducing the risks and hazards that come with open water.

1. Swim in a Designated Swimming Area

Most state parks, beaches, and lakefront areas have designated times when swimming is allowed and use flags to indicate borders in which people can swim. Never swim outside those defined areas. Also, preferably swim under the supervision of a qualified lifeguard.

2. When in Doubt, Get Out

Don’t hesitate to get out of the water if something doesn’t feel right. Whether it’s that the current is getting rough, rain has started to fall, or your body is just not responding like you would like it to due to fatigue or muscle cramps, then just leave and return to the water another day. It’s always a good thing to trust your instincts.

3. Know the Weather and Water Conditions

Check the water temperature and weather conditions before hitting the water. If the water temperature is low, your best option would be to swim in a wetsuit and don’t stay too long in the water. Bear in mind it’s not safe to swim in the rain, particularly if there is thunder and lightning. If the weather changes, don’t hesitate to swim back to shore.

Black family at the beach

4. Never Swim Alone

When you head out into the open water, go with a “swim buddy,” someone who’s looking out for you and who you’re looking out for in turn. Remember, the lifeguard isn’t your “swim buddy”; they have lots of people to track when on duty and cannot be concerned with a particular person’s safety. Besides, you’ll probably have more fun swimming with a friend.

5. Choose the Right Equipment

It’s very important always to choose the right equipment for your open water activity: wetsuits if the water is cold, goggles if swimming, and so on. Please note that if water temperatures are over 75-80 degrees, a wetsuit might not be a good idea. Using one for extended periods could cause heat exhaustion.

6. Understand Currents

Uncontrollables are all part of experiencing the ocean and open bodies of water. Rip tides, other currents, and waves can all sweep you away from your swimming route. By choosing a static “beacon” on your boat or at the shore you’ll be able to determine if you are being swept away or not. If you do get caught in a riptide, don’t panic. Try to remain calm and swim parallel to shore to get out of it. If you try to swim against the current, you might get exhausted and really panic even more.

7. No Alcohol

Alcohol affects your perception of danger, making you more likely to take unnecessary risks. Alcohol also impairs your balance and coordination – all essential for swimming and boating and avoiding hazards in the water. So don’t drink while in the water.

Kid with life vest on canoe

8. Wear a USCG-Approved Life Vest


Young children, weak swimmers, and everybody should wear life jackets whenever they are in, on, or around the water, even at a pool or a waterpark. It should be put on at the dock, deck, or shore and not removed until you return to dry land.

9. Have A Plan For Emergencies


Always have a plan to handle and face emergencies whenever you go out to the water with a swim buddy or alone. Tell someone else where you are going. Having someone watching from the shore, ready to take action should you need help, is wise. Plan for every possible incident and eliminate as much uncertainty as possible.

10. Swim Parallel to the Shore


If ever caught in a rip current, don’t let fear cloud your judgment. You could be swept away from shore very quickly. The best way to escape a rip current is by swimming parallel to the shore instead of towards it since most rip currents are an average of 100 feet wide. Try to relax and breathe, keeping your head above water, and don’t wear yourself out by trying to get out of the rip by swimming against the force of the current.

*Source: Hidden Hazards: An Exploration of Open Water Drowning and Risks for Children. Safe Kids Worldwide. May 2018.

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5 Water Safety Stories For Kids

Water safety learning opportunities are essential for children of all ages. Learning the importance of water safety through stories reinforces the message in a fun, entertaining, and educational way. Water safety stories provide an engaging way for children to gain important knowledge about how to stay safe in and around water while also helping to instill these crucial messages into their minds.

Water safety stories for kids are important for several reasons:

  • Preventing Accidents: Stories can help kids understand the dangers of water activities and how to avoid accidents.
  • Teaching Safety Rules: By reading stories that teach water safety rules, children can learn how to stay safe while swimming, boating, or playing in or near water.
  • Raising Awareness: Stories can raise awareness about the importance of water safety, the risks associated with water activities, and the need to implement the five layers of protection.
  • Developing Critical Thinking: Stories can help children develop critical thinking skills as they learn to identify potential hazards and make informed decisions about their own safety.
  • Encouraging Discussion: Water safety stories can spark conversations between children and their parents or caregivers about water safety, leading to better understanding and communication on the subject.

Overall, water safety stories for kids can help prevent accidents and encourage safe behavior around water, which is essential for their well-being.

There are many great water safety stories for kids that are both educational and entertaining. Here are a few examples:

Josh The Baby Otter

Water Safety Stories - Josh The Baby Otter

“Josh the Baby Otter” was created to help children comprehend and remember this important message: TO STAY AWAY FROM WATER UNLESS ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT. Its goal is to create a water safety behavior for all children that will be passed on from generation to generation.

Stewie The Duck Learns To Swim

Water Safety Stories - Stewie The Duck

Stewie the Duck Learns to Swim is an important and fun child’s first guide to water safety. Written for children ages two through six, the book conveys the message of how to be safe near the water through the story of Stewie. This duck wants to swim with the “big ducks,” but his older sisters prevent him from entering the water until he learns the appropriate water safety rules.

The Polar Bear Who Couldn’t, Wouldn’t Swim

Water Safety Stories - The Polar Bear Who Couldn't, Wouldn't Swim

The Polar Bear Who Couldn’t, Wouldn’t Swim follows the journey of a young polar bear named Zeke who is afraid of the water and refuses to swim. He leaves his home in search of other animals who do not swim and finds that he can enjoy the water if he follows the ABCs and Ds of water safety while learning a valuable lesson about facing his fears with a positive attitude.

Barkley’s Great Escape

Water Safety Stories - Barkley's Great Escape

Barkley’s Great Escape, follows a yellow Labrador retriever named Barkley, who runs into trouble when he enters a neighbor’s pool alone. The story is designed to spark discussion with children about water safety and the importance of following rules.

Jay’s Swimming Journey: How one little swimmer learned to pay attention to what’s important!

Water Safety Stories - Jay's Swimming Journey

Jay’s Swimming Journey is the tale of a young boy who listened to his coach, focused on himself, had fun swimming and showed improvement. Aimed at young swimmers but with a message pertinent to athletes of all ages and sports, Jay’s Swimming Journey demonstrates the benefit of paying attention to yourself and the details and making the most of every day in practice.

These are just a few examples of the many great water safety stories for kids. When choosing a book, look for age-appropriate content and engaging illustrations to keep your child interested.

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10 New Year Resolutions That Will Make You A Water Safety Champion

Education and knowledge is the key for everything and definitely something we should focus on in the new year. 

According to the CDC, an average of 10 fatal drowning incidents happen in the USA every day and is the leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for children 1-4 years, the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for children 1-14 years, and is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury deaths for all ages in the United States.  The WHO has reported that drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths. 

This makes drowning a very serious issue that should be addressed throughout the year in order to avoid and prevent fatal and non-fatal drowning incidents. The beginning of a new year is the best time to plan exactly how we can do this in the form of water safety resolutions.

Here are ten to get you started:

1.- Learn the Five Layers of Protection

The term “layers of protection” is one used to classify the majority of strategies directly affecting aquatic environments. Parents, caregivers, residential pool owners, aquatic facility owners, managers and operators should use “layers of protection” to provide a system of increased security to prevent unauthorized access to bodies of water, especially important for children. This means that multiple strategies or devices are used constantly and simultaneously.

Click here to learn the Five Layers of Protection to prevent drowning.

2.- Practice water safety at home

  • Never leave your child alone in the bathtub—even for a moment. Many bathtub drownings happen (even in a few inches of water) when a parent leaves a small child alone or with another young child. Also, bath seats are just bathing aids. Bath seats can tip over and your child can slip out of them, so they won’t prevent drowning.
  • Empty water from containers, such as large pails and 5-gallon buckets, immediately after use.
  • Keep bathroom doors closed. Install door knob covers or a hook-and-eye latch or other lock that is out of the reach of your small child.
  • Keep toilets closed. Always close the toilet lid, and consider using a toilet lid latch.

Find more ways to be water safe at home in our blog post Home Water Safety Tips.

3.- Teach your children about water safety

Families have always played a vital role in teaching kids how important it is to learn to swim and behave safely in and around the water. If your child isn’t able to take formal swim lessons right now, you can still help them learn to be safer around backyard pools, ponds or other natural bodies of water.

These are some great resources to help you get started.

4.- Actively support the NDPA to promote water safety and drowning prevention all year long.

The mission of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance is to reduce the incidence of drowning and aquatic injuries in the US and abroad. United, we can reach our goal of 0 drownings.

Whether you join or support the alliance in other ways, you can empower your communities to take more action, touch more lives, and make an even greater difference. Check out 5 Ways You Can Support The NDPA for more ideas.

5.- Promote water safety and ways to prevent drowning in your community.

Find information, actions and resources to get your community involved in water safety advocacy efforts whether they be in person or online at the NDPA Resource Center.

Then call a neighborhood gathering to get started!

6.- Enroll your children in swimming lessons.

Swim skills add a layer of protection to prevent drowning incidents. Formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning among children 1-4 years by 88%. This is the only sport that can actually save lives and can also reduce the risk of drowning among older individuals.

Water competency and swim lessons should be continuous, and not taken for just one season – skills need to be developed and maintained during the entire year. Identify the right swim program for your child by downloading our Swim Program Decision Chart and our Swim Program Checklist!

7.- Learn CPR with rescue breaths. Compression-only CPR does not treat drowning.

Anyone who lives in a home with a pool should learn CPR and rescue breathing. CPR training and certification should be refreshed every one to two years, depending upon the certification agency, or more frequently if there have been recent changes in recommendations.

You can’t predict when an emergency will strike, so knowing how to prepare for a water-related incident can mean the difference between life and death.

8.- Invest in a life vest for each member of the family.

A life jacket is a very effective life-saving strategy in the quest to reduce the number of fatal drowning incidents in the country, especially in open water.

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) tested and approved life jackets should be worn by everyone, when in or around open/natural bodies of water, and when boating. Life jackets should be sized appropriately for the wearer.  When other layers of protection may break down, life jackets can help prevent unintentional drowning. Learn more about it here.

9.- Register for the 2023 National Water Safety Conference

The conference is a great fit for anyone involved in child safety advocacy, injury prevention, safety education, water safety, drowning prevention, first response, public health, public policy, aquatics, and many more areas!

This year the #NWSC2023 will be offered from February 13 – 16, 2023 in-person and virtually, co-located with the 2023 AOAP Annual Conference at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs, CO.

We have 80+ speakers lined up this year, and with the ALL ACCESS PASS you won’t need to worry about missing sessions or trying to soak in the education all at once! Get access to every keynote, live session, workshop, and training for up to 5 months after the conference!

Register now!

10.- Join the NDPA Water Safety Warriors Group and sign up to become a Water Safety Champion!

The NDPA has the goal of bringing everyone who has a vested interest in drowning prevention and water safety together. This way, we can provide education and resources to prevent drowning and aquatic injury by making water safer to enjoy.

By providing this space to connect to each other, access to the most current information, and share resources to help  be more effective in our efforts, we are sure can reach our goal to end accidental drownings! Just click to join!

Want to become a Water Safety Champion? Here’s how!

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A Gift That Lasts Longer Than the Holidays: Water Safety!

The holiday season is a time for giving, so why not give the gift of water safety this year? Water activities can be some of the most enjoyable experiences during the holiday season and all year long but staying safe is essential. There are many ways to ensure everyone can have a fun and safe time in the water. 

To ensure everyone has a happy and safe holiday season and new year put water safety at the top of your gift list. Gifts of experiences and learning have moved up many people’s wish lists and parents and caregivers can look to water safety to help check off those lists. 

Give The Gift of Water Safety This Year

A gift of water safety may be the perfect present for your family and friends this holiday season. Whether it’s a swim lesson, a brand-new life vest, or a CPR certification, investing in the safety of loved ones is one of the best gifts you can give.

Water safety isn’t something that should be taken lightly – drowning is still one of the leading causes of accidental death among children. Taking proactive measures to ensure that everyone knows how to stay safe around water all year long can mean the difference between life and death. 

This year, why not make sure your family and friends have access to everything they need to stay safe during their next boating or beach trip? Here are some ideas to get started:

Swimming Lessons

Swimming lessons can provide a lifetime of enjoyment and adventure. They are a great way to spend time with loved ones and have significant physical and mental health benefits.

Most importantly, they teach water competency, which is essential to prevent drowning incidents. 

Learning to swim doesn’t eliminate the risk of drowning, but it does equip children with a life-saving layer of protection. Research suggests that children ages 1-4 who participate in formal swim lessons can reduce their risk of drowning by 88%.

By giving someone special the gift of swimming lessons this holiday season, you are helping them gain valuable skills that will stay with them for life. Learning to swim is more than just mastering the technique; it’s about gaining confidence in yourself, and the skills needed to enjoy the water safely at all times.

Most swim programs offer gift cards for swim lessons. If you’re unsure which program is best for your little ones, download our Swim Program Decision Chart and Checklist to help you make the most educated decision.

Life Vests

This holiday season, let’s all do something a little different and make sure water safety is at the top of our gift list. A life vest for someone you love can be one of the most meaningful gifts they receive this year. 

Life vests are essential for keeping people safe in the water, regardless of their skill level or experience. From toddlers just getting their feet wet to avid swimmers who take on more daring bodies of water, life vests are an essential layer of protection everyone should take before entering any body of water. The holidays are the perfect time to provide that necessary piece of equipment and bring some peace of mind to those closest to us.

When choosing a life vest or flotation device, be sure to select a USCG-approved one that has been tested and meets accepted industry standards.

Lifeguard Training

Taking a lifeguarding training class is your first step towards keeping swimmers safe! Lifeguards play an important role in drowning prevention. They are trained professionals who understand how to recognize, prevent and respond to swimming emergencies. 

A lifeguard training class will equip you or a loved one with a comprehensive understanding of water safety, rescue techniques, and first aid skills. You’ll also learn how to use essential lifesaving equipment such as lifejackets, buoys, and spinal boards. It’s an exciting way to acquire practical knowledge that could save someone’s life! 

Whether you’re looking for a summer job or want to learn more about water safety, taking a lifeguard certification course is the perfect way to get started. You can purchase a gift certificate for lifeguard training courses and start your journey toward becoming a lifesaver!

CPR Certification

Learning to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a valuable skill that can potentially save lives. 

CPR training involves learning to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and how to administer chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation techniques properly. But don’t worry – these skills are easy to learn! Many organizations like the American Red Cross and American Heart Association offer CPR/AED classes that provide hands-on instruction on the basics of administering first aid, practice scenarios, and other helpful tips for responding quickly and efficiently in an emergency. 

In addition to providing basic life support skills for adults and children, many CPR courses also include information about water safety and rescue techniques. Anyone living in a home with a pool or frequently around water should learn CPR with rescue breaths, making a CPR Certification a wise gift for the holidays.

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Why Water Supervision Alone Doesn’t Prevent Drowning 

Drowning incidents can occur both when people are actively engaged in water activities and during non-swim times, all when an adult is present. According to the World Health Organization, a lapse in adult water supervision is the main contributing factor when young children die from drowning, even when safety measures are implemented. Fortunately, drowning is preventable but is often a result of human and environmental factors that can be improved upon with proper education and awareness.

Through years of research and collaboration with Alliance Partners and Advisors, we have developed the concept of the 5 Layers of Protection to be utilized in any aquatic environment to aid in the prevention of childhood drowning. 

While these layers are put into place as a system of increased security, each Layer of Protection should be used constantly and simultaneously in an effort to buy as much time as possible for capable adults to respond to unintentional water submersion. Each individual layer can fail, which is why the use of multiple layers at the same time is critically important. Drownings are fast, silent, and often do not look like we would expect them to. Most children will not be able to call out for help.

The Important Role Water Supervision Plays In Drowning Prevention

Children should be supervised at all times due to their naturally curious nature. Water can be fascinating and irresistible to young kids, especially if they are just learning to be mobile. 

Young children are not aware of danger yet, so it is the responsibility of a capable and alert adult to actively watch over them, even at home.

Follow these Supervision best practices in conjunction with the other 5 Layers of Protection: 

  • The  “3 C’s” of Supervision: 

    Close: 
    An adult should be within arm’s length of infants, toddlers, and children who lack water competency skills whenever in or around water

    Constant: 
    An adult must have uninterrupted attention on children at all times. That means no reading, cell phone use, or other distractions. 

    Capable: 
    Supervision of children should be done by a capable adult that can swim and knows life-saving skills, like performing CPR with rescue breaths.
  • Having General House Rules: 
    When water is present, always be aware of where your children are and never leave them unattended. Remind guests with children, babysitters, and caregivers about the potential water hazards and the need for constant and capable supervision. If a child is missing, always check the water first – each second counts!
  • Never Substitute Floatation Devices For Supervision: 
    “Water Wings” or “floaties,” inflatable water rings, and other pool toys are NOT safety devices. Only US Coast Guard-approved life jackets are designed and tested for safety. Be aware of any floatation devices marketed and sold in a way that references “learn to swim easily” or “parents can finally enjoy peace of mind.” There is not a single flotation device that replaces adult supervision for children in and around water.
  • Water Watchers: 
    Have a designated Water Watcher when engaging in water activities. A designated Water Watcher is a responsible and capable adult who agrees to actively and constantly supervise children in or around water without engaging in other activities or distractions. 

    Water Watchers should rotate every 15 minutes to keep their attention fresh. Ensure your designated Water Watcher is clearly identified with a Water Watcher card. You can download yours here.
  • Lifeguards: 
    When possible, swim near lifeguards. Lifeguards are trained in supervision, water rescue, and emergency response.  However, caregivers and parents should always maintain active supervision, even with a lifeguard present. 

Why Water Supervision Fails 

Life is hectic, and distractions will happen. In a matter of seconds, so can a drowning. A phone call, a package being delivered at the door, cleaning up a spill, or a quick trip to the bathroom are all distractions that can cause supervision to fail.

Children are curious and could venture near water even during non-swim times when water supervision is not “expected” to be required. Sadly, 70% of drownings among young children happen during these non-swim times. This is another way supervision alone can unintentionally fail, and why it’s so important that the 5 Layers of Protection are used together! 

  1. Barriers & Alarms
    It’s important to use four-sided fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates, pool safety covers, and alarm systems, to help prevent children and unauthorized adults from accessing water unsupervised.
  1. Supervision
    Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings with close, constant, and capable adult supervision from a designated water watcher or lifeguard anytime children are in or around water.
  1. Water Competency
    Every child and adult should be equipped with the skills to protect themselves in water by learning and enhancing their basic water safety skills to reduce the risk of drowning and aquatic-related injuries.
  1. Life Jackets
    When used appropriately, life jackets protect you when you are not expecting to be in the water, especially around open water. Ensure your life jackets are tested & approved by the USCG.
  1. Emergency Preparation
    Knowing how to prepare for an emergency with CPR training with rescue breaths and basic water rescue skills can make the difference between life and death. Have a phone available and ready to call 911.

Remember, layers work together! Water safety isn’t just during swim time. Each layer should be used together when in or around water to help reduce the risk of drowning. 

Supervision – An Important Part of the 5 Layers of Protection 

A child’s life is precious, and children’s safety in and around water is the responsibility of parents and caregivers. Supervision is a very important layer of protection, but it cannot be relied upon alone. By using all 5 Layers of Protection, you are doing all you can to keep your child safe in and around water. You never know which layer will save a life!

For more information about Supervision and the 5 Layers of Protection, visit our website at NDPA.org

Residential Pool and Spa Professionals Advocate Water Safety by Becoming Water Safety Champions – Nov 2022

Reports from 2020 demonstrated that ownership of residential swimming pools rose by 23%. While this represents an undeniable victory for the industry, it also has a tragic side. 

Drowning is still the single leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for ages 5-18.  

In light of the growing popularity of backyard swimming pools, residential pool and spa professionals have a unique opportunity to advocate for water safety. As experts in the pool industry, pool and spa professionals have comprehensive knowledge of the regulations needed to make public and residential pools, spas, and hot tubs safe by following resources such as the International Swimming Pool & Spa Code and PHTA Standards.

With the support of many of our new connections made at the PSP/Deck Expo 2022, and with our existing collaborators, we wanted to make advocating for water safety easy for pool and spa professionals while on the job. Keeping up with the latest advancements in the industry is vital for our pool builders and pool service professionals to keep their communities safe, which is why we designed our Water Safety Champion Program so pool and spa pros could easily add basic water safety awareness checks with their servicing.

The Importance of Water Safety in a Residential Setting

A residential pool and spa can be a beautiful oasis for homeowners, however, that does not diminish the risk of drowning hazards around the backyard and the home. 

Even in your backyard, drowning can occur in less than 30 seconds and with very little water, so it is crucial to implement the 5 Layers of Protection to help keep families safe. 

It is up to pool builders and pool service professionals to encourage water safety by making families aware of pool safety features that can aid in the prevention of drowning and the importance of having a safety plan put into place.

Learning about the best water safety strategies through the Layers of Protection and becoming a Water Safety Champion, residential pool and spa professionals can pass along vital information to their customers and community members beyond just routine maintenance. 

When Residential Pool & Spa Professionals Become Water Safety Champions: 

After sign-up, pool and spa pros will receive exclusive access to NDPA’s Residential Pool and Spa  Toolkit which includes: 

  • A personal Water Safety Champion Certificate showcasing their advocacy for water safety
  • A brandable Pool Safety Checklist to include with routine pool maintenance checks
  • Various tools and resources like:
    • The Layers of Protection Digital Brochure & Animated Video
    • Shareable Social Media Posts & Videos
    • GIFs & Stickers

By implementing the Layers of Protection and sharing their Water Safety Champion Status, residential pool and spa professionals can help protect the lives of children and work together to spread the word about drowning prevention and water safety to their clients.

Residential Pool & Spa Professionals, Become a Water Safety Champion Today!

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Pediatricians Make Water Safety A Priority By Becoming A Water Safety Champion – Nov 2022

From the moment children are born, parents often become aware of all the dangers that appear as they grow and become curious. Although most of these dangers are part of life, drowning is silent, quick, and can be fatal. According to the CDC, for every 1 fatal childhood drowning, there are another 8 nonfatal drownings that are seen in an emergency department. Thankfully, with the proper water safety strategies and advocacy, drowning is easily preventable. 

Along with our collective efforts, many pediatricians are now prioritizing drowning prevention initiatives beyond their offices. With the support of the NDPA’s Chief Medical Advisor and AAP (the American Academy of Pediatrics) president-elect Dr. Benjamin Hoffman and fellow NDPA medical advisor, Dr. Julie Gilchrist, we wanted to make water safety easily accessible to other pediatricians and medical advisors. 

To address the ever-present need to advocate for water safety beyond just their practices, NDPA has created an exclusive toolkit for pediatricians with the proper drowning prevention strategies  needed to share and advocate for water safety practices with their patients and parents.

Why Should Pediatricians Become Water Safety Champions?

Pediatricians are critical leaders in their field when it comes to child safety. They often see children for a large portion of their life and learn first-hand what concerns parents have for their children. By having a strong relationship with their patients and parents, pediatricians can uniquely position themselves as water safety advocates to address concerns about water-related injury incidents and drowning risks. 

By learning, advocating, and implementing the Layers of Protection, pediatricians can show parents that they care about more than just providing healthcare to their children, giving them the peace of mind that their children will be safe beyond office hours.

When Pediatricians Become A Water Safety Champion: 

After sign-up, pediatricians will receive exclusive access to NDPA’s Pediatrician Toolkit which includes: 

  • A personal Water Safety Champion Certificate showcasing their advocacy for water safety
  • Printable Water Watcher Cards
  • Awareness Posters to hang in offices
  • The Layers of Protection Digital Brochure
  • Shareable social media posts & videos
  • GIFs & Stickers

As Dr. Ben Hoffman states, “Kids need us. They can’t vote, so they need advocates. Pediatricians, by nature, are advocates by the work we can do, not only at the community level but the policy level to help systems change.” 

Drowning is a preventable tragedy, but it takes all of us to learn and advocate for the latest knowledge and standards for water safety. 

By implementing the Layers of Protection and their Water Safety Champion Status, pediatricians can help protect the lives of children and work together to spread the word about drowning prevention and water safety to their patients and parents.  

Pediatricians, it’s time to support your patients beyond the office by becoming a Water Safety Champion!

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How Commercial Aquatics Professionals Can Become Water Safety Champions – Nov 2022

Commercial Aquatics Professionals and their facilities are in a unique position to advocate for water safety. With their experience in working with children and families in both educational and recreational settings, they can quickly deliver essential messages about water safety to populations of all ages and ability levels. 

We recognize the enormous work that goes into running and maintaining a commercial aquatic facility. It’s essential to make communicating critical water safety messages easy, which is why we launched the Water Safety Champion Program, which includes all the latest in drowning prevention information, free downloadable facility tools, and resources. 

What is a Water Safety Champion?

Despite our collective and tireless efforts, drowning is the single leading cause of death for children ages 1-4. While young children are at the highest risk, anyone can drown.  

To address the rise in drowning incidents, we have launched a Water Safety Champion Program providing the latest resources and education about the best water safety practices available to help prevent unintentional drowning and aquatic injuries. The water safety information covered in the 5 Layers of Protection resulted from years of research and collaboration with Alliance Partners and advisors.

Why Should Commercial Aquatics Professionals Become Water Safety Champions?

Although most drownings don’t happen at commercial aquatic facilities, they are still critical to bringing awareness to water safety in their communities and clients. Drownings can still happen anywhere in or near water, including pools, bathtubs, lakes, rivers – even buckets of water. 

By learning about the best water safety strategies through the Layers of Protection, and the Water Safety Champion program, commercial aquatics professionals can show patrons they care while playing a vital role in keeping their community safe in and around water. 

When Commercial Aquatics Professionals Become Water Safety Champions: 

After sign-up, commercial aquatics professionals will receive exclusive access to NDPA’s Commercial Aquatics Toolkit which includes: 

  • A personal Water Safety Champion Certificate showcasing their advocacy for water safety
  • A Water Safety Champion Facility Poster to display in their aquatic facility 
  • Various tools and resources like:
    • Awareness Posters
    • Printable Water Watcher Cards
    • GIFs & Stickers
    • The Layers of Protection Digital Brochure & Animated Video
    • Shareable Social Media Posts & Videos

By implementing the Layers of Protection and sharing their Water Safety Champion Status, commercial aquatics facilities can help protect the lives of children and work together to spread the word about drowning prevention and water safety to their patrons.  

While many commercial aquatic facilities face challenging times due to COVID-19, staffing shortages, and new regulations, we hope this program will support their continued efforts in drowning prevention and water safety! 

Commercial Aquatics Professionals, Become a Water Safety Champion Today!

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Keeping Your Seasonal Pool Secure

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, drowning is the number one cause of unintentional death for children between the ages of 1 and 4. Most of these drowning deaths happen in home swimming pools which is why swimming pool barriers are so important in preventing unintentional drowning incidents.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has also shared the following statistics in the Pool or Spa Submersion: Estimated Nonfatal Drowning Injuries and Reported Drownings, 2022 Report :

  • On average, three hundred eighty-nine pool- or spa-related fatal drownings were registered between 2017 to 2019.
  • Seventy-five percent of fatal pool accidents of children 15 and under occurred at residential locations (home pool or neighbor’s pool).
  • Seventy-three percent of swimming pool drowning deaths involved children younger than five.
  • Seventeen percent of swimming pool-related drowning deaths among children younger than 15 happened in an above-ground pool.
  • Nine percent of those pediatric drowning deaths occurred in portable pools.
  • Pool- or spa-related, hospital-department-treated, nonfatal drowning injuries involving children younger than 15 years of age spiked 17 percent in 2021 with 6,800 injuries reported, compared to 2020 with 5,800.

Many of these drowning tragedies can be prevented by implementing swimming pool barriers and additional layers of protection. 

What are swimming pool barriers?

If you have a swimming pool on your property, you must take measures to keep your kids safe. The first measure is installing proper swimming pool barriers.

A swimming pool barrier is any physical barrier that separates the water from the rest of the yard or surrounding area, thus making it difficult for small children and animals to access the pool area. 

These physical barriers are an effective way to prevent unauthorized and unsupervised entry to the water.

Types of Swimming Pool Barriers

Swimming pool barriers can restrict access to the perimeter surrounding the pool (gate or fence) or directly limit access to the water (pool covers). Door alarms can also be considered as swimming pool barriers.

Pool Gates and Fences

All residential pools and spas should be surrounded on all four sides by a 4-foot tall fence with a self-closing and self-latching locking device. 

Families with young children and pets should install isolation fencing that separates the pool or spa area from the house or other structures. It should also restrict unauthorized access from neighbors’ yards, nearby buildings, and from inside the house. 

The latch release on all gates and fences should be at least 54 inches from the ground and entirely out of the reach of children. If a locking latch is used, it should be kept locked. Just be sure to store the key out of children’s reach and ensure all adults know where you keep it in an emergency. 

Gates should also open away from the pool and should never be propped open. When shut, pool owners must double-check the gates to confirm that the latching mechanism is securely fastened and that the gate was not accidentally left open. The pool gate should always be locked, mainly when the pool is not in use, to prevent kids from gaining access to the water.

Bear in mind that small children are curious and resourceful. Make sure any furniture that can be moved to serve as a ladder is kept outside the pool area, at least 4 feet away from the swimming pool barrier. Also, ensure that children and animals cannot dig soil loose from under the pool fence to crawl through to the other side.

Pool Covers

Safety covers are another layer of protection that can provide safety when the pool is not in use. They should cover the entire surface of the pool and be anchored securely.

When considering a pool safety cover, choose one that meets the ASTM International voluntary standard F1346-91 , a document that establishes safety cover requirements for swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and wading pools. 

It’s also essential that covers are used and maintained correctly, such as promptly removing any rainwater that it has collected and not allowing children to play on it regardless of its stated weight allowance.

Door Alarms

If your home serves as one side of the swimming pool barrier, consider installing alarms on all doors leading to the pool area. 

Door alarms can help alert adults if and when a child goes near the pool area.

Safety Codes and Regulations for Pool Barriers

Sadly, no federal swimming pool barriers law exists in the United States. Without a legal framework that clearly defines residential pool owners’ guidelines to ensure safety, consumer and aquatic organizations have redacted and shared their own. 

Many communities have enacted safety regulations for barriers meant to keep residential in-ground and above-ground swimming pools safe. Parents who own these pools must implement the five layers of protection needed to reduce the chances of their kiddos accessing the family pool or spa without supervision and should be familiar with the following documents:

Safety Barrier Guidelines for Residential Pools

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has published a guide that outlines pool barrier guidelines that can help prevent drowning incidents involving young children by preventing them from entering the pool area without being supervised by an adult. They consider the variety of swimming pool barriers available and where each might be vulnerable to a child wanting to get on the other side.

The International Swimming Pool and Spa Code 

The ISPSC is also an important document to consider.  Written by the International Code Council and the Pool and Hot tub Alliance, it contains everything a pool contractor needs to make a residential swimming pool safe and operate efficiently. 

The adoption of the ISPSC can reduce drowning accidents by requiring barriers, compliant design, and slopes for entry and exit, work towards the elimination of entrapment incidents once and for all, and ensure that pools and spas are built using approved and safe materials. As a uniform building code adopted in 20 states and 171 local jurisdictions, the ISPSC plays a vital role in safeguarding backyard pools and spas throughout the country.

The Safety Benefits of Pool Fencing and Gates

A successful pool barrier prevents a child from getting over, under, and through a fence or gate. It also keeps kids from gaining access to the pool except when supervising adults are present. 

Regarding water safety, there is no such thing as being too cautious. A pool barrier is the first layer of protection needed to prevent accidental drownings. According to the CDC, having a swimming pool security fence reduces the likelihood of childhood drownings by 83%.

In addition to keeping kids and animals out, swimming pool barriers can also help keep debris and leaves from blowing into the pool. This can help keep the pool clean and reduce the time you must spend cleaning it.

Installing a swimming pool barrier is a simple and effective way to increase water safety in your backyard. Consider implementing safety measures at home for your family and reduce the chance of drowning.

Drowning Prevention Research Summit Kick’s Off Multi-Year Effort To Champion Advancement and Innovation in Drowning Prevention Research and Safety

National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) Assembles Experts Across Disciplines to Address the Critical Issue of Childhood Drowning.

SAN DIEGO, September 15, 2022 – On September 13-14, 2022 the National Drowning Prevention Alliance hosted the industry’s first research summit solely dedicated to water safety and drowning prevention for children and adolescents – a critical issue and the single leading cause of death among children ages 1-4 years old.


The National Childhood Drowning Prevention Research Summit was held in San Diego, California and brought together more than 45 researchers and experts from across the country and internationally who have dedicated their careers to the safety and well-being of children.

Hosted by NDPA and moderated by Doyle Strategies, which has led similar summits on child and gun safety, the group included professionals from the governmental, academic, medical, public health and private sectors, including representatives from American Academy Pediatrics, American Red Cross, YMCA, Harvard University, Baylor University, National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Consumer Product Safety Commission, and other leading organizations and advocates.


“The body of data available for drowning prevention has been historically weak leaving us to use best practices instead of evidence-informed approaches,” said Adam Katchmarchi, Ph.D., M.S., Executive Director, NDPA. “Our goal is to change that and bring all stakeholders together to collaborate on a unified research agenda.”

During the two-day meeting, summit participants discussed the research gaps in the literature surrounding childhood drowning prevention and water safety and prioritized a short- and long-term research agenda based on need and feasibility, while fostering unity among the industry sectors represented.


“It was incredible to see all of the national leaders in child drowning prevention gathered in one room, working together to address this epidemic,” said Ben Hoffman, M.D., Chief Medical Advisor, NDPA and Professor of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University. “There is so much we do not know about how to prevent drowning, and the issue has never received the attention warranted by the magnitude of the problem. It was amazing to see how the group really dug in and did the hard work to ask the right questions and identify the key issues and potential solutions. This was a crucial first step in the process
of preventing drowning among kids.”


With focused discussions on the existing data and science, and actionable work needed to define future research directions and priorities to advance policy and prevention efforts, the summit program included a networking session and a review of research currently underway at CDC. Small, collaborative, interprofessional groups also assessed research needs around four of the established preventive layers of protection – barriers, supervision, water competency, and life jackets.

“I think a better understanding of all of the circumstances around drowning in every environment is going to be critical in order to develop, implement and evaluate drowning prevention strategies,” said Lois Lee, M.D., M.P.H., Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School. “

Following the summit, an evidence review and preliminary conclusions will be compiled and shared with both research and non-research-related qualified stakeholders to weigh in on the results and outcomes.

Post event stakeholder engagement will be conducted via focus groups, interviews, and survey with the goal of gaining insight into areas of consensus and disagreement on proposed research priorities. An overall research summit summary report, in addition to summary reports on identified themes, will be released by NDPA among stakeholder groups.

The Drowning Prevention Research Summit was made possible through the generous funding of the Chuck & Ernestina Kreutzkamp Foundation.

About National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA)
The mission of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance is “United, we can prevent the tragedy of drowning.” Through education, awareness, and advocacy, NDPA seeks to reduce the incidence of drowning and aquatic injuries in the United States and abroad and to address the single leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4. To learn more, visit ndpa.org.

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