Water safety

Children can drown in as little as 2 inches of water in under 30 seconds — silently. Bathtub, buckets, toilets, kiddie pools, wading pools, and open water all pose the same risk. Never step away, even to grab a towel; take baby with you if you must. Install toilet locks once baby is cruising. Empty buckets and kiddie pools completely when done. Keep bathroom doors closed. Around pools, use a four-sided fence with a self-closing gate — not just a house-side fence. Swim lessons are recommended starting at age 1 and reduce (but don't eliminate) drowning risk. "Water competence" — the ability to float, get to safety, and breathe — is the goal, not lap swimming. Never rely on floaties, water wings, or lifejackets as substitutes for adult supervision.