Drowning is one of the major causes of death for children under five years. Very young children are prone to drowning. This is because they’re top-heavy. They can slip into or under the water very suddenly, and they can drown in only a few inches of water. It can happen quickly and silently, without coughing or splashing, so you might not even realize they’re in danger. Adult supervision is the key to drowning prevention. Never leave your child alone near water, even for a minute. Here are a few helpful tips to keep your child safe during bath time.

• Always ensure an adult stays at the side of the tub, in reach of child. This is too big of a responsibility for brothers or sisters.
• Avoid multi-tasking. This is not the time to prepare dinner, fold laundry or any other housekeeping tasks.
• Be prepared. Keep a towel and bath supplies close at hand, so you do not have to leave during bath time.
• Ignore distractions like the doorbell or phone calls.
• Consider bath time as bonding time to relax with your baby or toddler. Bath toys like foam letters, animals that shoot water and waterproof books are a great way to make bathtub more fun and teach them new things at the same time.
• Safe proof your home to prevent young children from accessing the bathroom without an adult.
• If you have to leave during bath time, swaddle the child in a towel and take them with you.
• Drain the tub after each use. Immediately!