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Drowning can happen quickly and silently, often without the splashing or shouting people expect. A few simple habits make a real difference.
Supervision comes first
- Always swim with a buddy, and keep young children within arm's reach of an adult.
- Designate a "water watcher" whose only job is watching swimmers — not their phone.
- Never rely on swimming lessons or flotation toys as a substitute for supervision.
Know the signs of drowning
Real drowning is usually quiet: a swimmer's head low in the water, mouth at water level, eyes glassy or closed, and little to no kicking. If someone looks "off," check on them immediately.
Around the home
- Install fencing with self-closing, self-latching gates around home pools.
- Empty inflatable pools and buckets when not in use.
- Know CPR — it can make the difference in the minutes before help arrives.