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Drowning in Children 0–4 Years
Young children are at the highest risk of drowning, especially when supervision or access control fails.
Understanding the Context
Young children are naturally curious, mobile and fast-moving, yet they lack the strength, coordination and understanding to keep themselves safe around water. Even small amounts of water—bathtubs, buckets, portable pools and backyard pools—can lead to drowning in just seconds. Most incidents occur when supervision lapses, a barrier is absent or fails, or a child gains unexpected access to water. Because drowning is silent and quick, adults often do not realise a child is in danger until it is too late.
Research and Statistics
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Around 65% of drowning deaths in children aged 0–4 occur in swimming pools.
Approximately 72% of drowning deaths in young children occur after an unexpected fall into water.
Ninety-two children aged 0–4 drowned in swimming pools over the past ten years.
Around 91% of all child pool drowning deaths occur in backyard pools.
More than half of all drowning deaths in children under five occur in home swimming pools.
Key Hazards
Swimming Skills
Lack of or poor swimming or survival skills, including difficulty floating or treading water.
Unsecured Pool Fencing
Lack of or poor pool fencing that is damaged, non-compliant or unable to restrict child access.
Faulty Pool Gates
Lack of or poor gate maintenance where gates do not self-close, self-latch or remain secure.
Climbable Objects
Objects, furniture or toys placed near fences that create climbable access points for children.
Unattended Water
Baths, buckets, containers or portable pools filled and left accessible to children.
Inflatable Toys
Lightweight inflatable toys that drift into deeper or unsafe water due to wind or currents.
Distractions
Multi-tasking or distractions that reduce focus around water.
Parental Supervision
Lack of or poor parental supervision of children in or near water.
How to Stay Safe
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Learn CPR
Learn CPR so you can respond quickly in an emergency.
Empty Small Water Sources
Empty baths, buckets and portable pools immediately after use.
Remove Climbable Objects
Keep furniture, toys and other climbable items away from pool fences.
Maintain Pool Fencing
Check that pool fences and gates are secure, self-closing and self-latching at all times.
Provide Adult Supervision
Always provide constant, close, active adult supervision within arm’s reach around any water.
