How Can I Keep a 19–24-Month-Old Safe Around Water?

Why is water safety especially important now?

Toddlers can move quickly and may reach water before an adult expects it.

Drowning can happen quickly and quietly in very small amounts of water, including a bath, bucket, or paddling pool.

How should I supervise during bath time?

Keep your toddler within arm’s reach and watch continuously while they are in the bath. Never leave them alone, even for a moment.

Prepare towels and other supplies before bath time. If you need to leave, take your child out of the water and bring them with you.

What should I do with buckets and small water containers?

Empty buckets, basins, paddling pools, and other containers as soon as they are no longer being used.

Store them upside down and out of reach so rain or other water cannot collect in them. A child can drown in a small amount of water.

How can I limit unsupervised access to bathrooms?

Keep bathroom doors closed or use an adult-height latch that your child cannot reach. Keep toilet lids closed; a suitable lid lock can add another barrier.

A bath seat or ring does not make it safe to leave a child unattended.

What precautions are needed around a pool?

If you have a home pool, use a four-sided fence that separates it from the house and yard, with a self-closing, self-latching gate.

Close and secure doors that lead to water, restore barriers after swimming, and keep one attentive adult within arm’s reach.

Do flotation toys or swimming lessons keep my child safe?

Inflatable armbands, rings, and toys are not life-saving equipment and can give a false sense of security.

Use a properly fitted life jacket for boating or other activities where one is recommended; it does not replace close supervision.

Swimming lessons may add a layer of protection for some children, but children still need constant adult supervision in and around water.

Keep your attention on your child even when a lifeguard is present.

What about hot water and slippery floors?

Bath water that is too hot can scald; check the temperature before your child gets in, and dry wet floors promptly to reduce falls.

Keep electrical appliances away from water and unplug and store them safely after use.

What can I do today?

Walk through your home and garden to find baths, buckets, toilets, pet bowls, ponds, and pools. Empty or secure each source.

Before bath time, place everything you need within arm’s reach so you do not have to leave your child.

When is emergency help needed?

Call 911 if a child is pulled from water unresponsive, is not breathing normally, or has severe breathing difficulty.

Breathing problems, blue or gray color, or reduced alertness need urgent assessment; follow the dispatcher’s instructions and begin first aid or CPR if trained.