Water Safety at Home for Babies and Toddlers
By Ellis Okonjo · Sep 25, 2026 · 6 min read
In a nutshell
Young children can drown in very shallow water, quickly and silently.
Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in young children, and it can happen in just a few centimetres of water.
Many incidents happen at home — in baths, garden ponds, paddling pools, and buckets.
Tip 1 Bath time
Never leave a baby or young child alone in the bath, even for a moment. Bath seats are not safety devices. Gather everything you need before you start, and take your child with you if you must leave the room.
Tip 2 Around the home and garden
- 💡 Empty paddling pools and buckets after use
- 💡 Cover or fence garden ponds
- 💡 Keep toilet lids closed or fit locks
- 💡 Store water butts with secure lids
Tip 3 Supervision
Supervision should be close and constant. Drowning is often silent, without splashing or shouting.
Tip 4 Learn first aid
Consider a paediatric first aid course that covers CPR. It builds confidence for many emergencies.
This is general parenting information, not medical advice. Every child is different — talk to your paediatrician, family doctor, or a qualified specialist about your child’s health, development, or behaviour. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.