10 ways to prevent children from drowning – parents must know!

09.04.2025   BTV Nguyễn Yến
cach-phong-tranh-duoi-nuoc-cho-tre

Ways to prevent drowning for children is something every parent should keep in mind, especially when summer comes – the season of trips to the sea, the pool, and outdoor activities. But it is also at this time that the risk of drowning increases – an accident that seems simple but can take a life in an instant.

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in young children, especially in the age range from 1 to 6. And the scary thing is: accidents can happen even when the child is right in front of adults.

How to prevent drowning for children so that they can play freely while staying absolutely safe? Let's team up with Mykingdom to pocket 10 highly practical drowning-prevention tips below – things every parent should remember:

Never take your eyes off a child when near water

Whether it's a pool, the beach, the backyard, or just a basin in the bathroom – anywhere there is water poses danger. Young children, especially under 5, can drown in just a few seconds and with only a few centimeters of water. Always be present and watch closely – because no monitoring device can replace you.

cach-phong-tranh-duoi-nuoc-cho-tre-1

See more: Is teaching your child to swim at home effective? Parents should know

Safety barriers for hazardous areas

Ponds, lakes, and rivers near home should be thoroughly fenced. A family swimming pool should have a tall fence, a safety lock, and a cover when not in use. Be sure to regularly check these protective measures to ensure they are still functioning properly.

Teach children to recognize dangerous areas

Children need to learn how to distinguish safe from dangerous places, recognize “no swimming” signs, deep-water areas, strong currents, or places without lifeguards. Raising awareness is a way to proactively prevent drowning by avoiding danger rather than accidentally approaching it.

cach-phong-tranh-duoi-nuoc-cho-tre-2

Equip children with water safety skills

Getting children accustomed to water, knowing how to float, maintain balance, and self-rescue if they slip are essential life skills. You can start guiding them from a young age in a safe environment, or enroll them in a structured swimming class with a professional coach.

Parents also need to know first aid

No one hopes for accidents to happen, but if they do, proper first aid in the first few minutes can save your child's life. Learn basic techniques such as CPR to be proactive in an emergency.

Choose a safe swimming environment

Prioritize pools with lifeguards, clear warning signs, and clearly defined safe zones – especially for young children. Always check carefully before letting your child participate in any water activity.

Learn to swim early – the earlier, the better

From age 3 and up, children can start learning basic swimming. Starting with familiarization exercises and fun water games will help children learn while playing, naturally forming survival reflexes in a joyful way.

cach-phong-tranh-duoi-nuoc-cho-tre-3

See more: Is early swimming good? 5 wonderful benefits parents should know

Teach children how to respond when incidents occur

Children should know not to panic, not to pull others down, and to call for help when in danger. This is a simple but extremely important drowning-prevention method – and can make the difference between danger and safety.

Equip safety gear

Life jackets, armbands, goggles, swim caps… help children feel more confident in the water. Don’t forget to choose correctly sized, high-quality products. In addition, in risk-prone areas such as ponds or waterlogged yards, have lifesaving devices and rescue poles ready to respond promptly if an incident occurs.

Children’s swimming tools: 5 items parents should buy for their child

Learn by playing – the most natural way to prevent drowning

Mykingdom believes that learning through experience is the most effective and sustainable approach. Water-themed toys such as Barbie Pool Barbie HRJ74, or ocean-themed drawing sets… will help children recognize hazards and learn safety skills in a gentle, joyful way.

Drowning is a preventable accident if parents actively equip themselves with knowledge, skills, and always accompany their child. We hope the drowning-prevention methods for children that Mykingdom shares will help you feel more at ease on your journey of raising your beloved child. Let your child's summer be filled with joy, exploration, and absolute safety!