Drowning in Children: First Aid Steps & Prevention at Home

When many people think of drowning, they picture deep lakes, oceans, or boating incidents. In reality, drowning can happen quietly and quickly at home—in bathtubs, kiddie pools, buckets, or even toilets.

In Canada, young children are at particular risk because it only takes a few centimetres of water to cover the nose and mouth if they slip forward. That’s why constant, close supervision is essential any time a child is near water.

Common Home Drowning Risks

Even shallow water can be dangerous for infants and toddlers:

• Bathtubs

• Backyard or inflatable pools

• Buckets, pails or basins

• Toilets or water-filled containers

Never leave a child unattended near water—not even for a few seconds to grab a towel, answer the door, or check your phone.

What To Do if a Child Has Been Submerged

1. Remove the child from the water immediately.

2. Position the child with the head lower than the chest to help reduce the risk of water going into the lungs.

3. Remove wet clothing and wrap the child in a dry towel or blanket to keep them warm.

4. If the child is unconscious, open the airway and check for breathing.

5. If the child is breathing, place them in the recovery position and monitor closely until EMS arrives.

6. Call 911 (or local EMS) as soon as possible.

Even if the child seems “okay” after a near-drowning event, they should still be medically assessed, as complications like secondary drowning can develop later.

CPR for Infants (Birth to 1 Year)

Only attempt CPR if you are trained. If you are not trained, call 911 and follow dispatcher instructions.

1. Open the airway

   • Gently tilt the head back and lift the chin.

2. Give 5 rescue breaths

   • Place your mouth over the infant’s mouth and nose.

   • Blow gently for about 1 second, just enough to see the chest rise.

3. Start chest compressions (30 compressions)

   • Place 2 fingers in the centre of the chest, just below the nipple line.

   • Compress about one-third the depth of the chest.

4. Continue CPR cycles

   • 30 compressions → 2 breaths → repeat for about 1 minute.

5. Call 911 (if not already done), then continue CPR

   • Continue 30:2 cycles until EMS arrives or the infant starts breathing normally.

CPR for Children (1 Year and Up)

1. Open the airway

   • Gently tilt the head back and lift the chin.

2. Give 5 rescue breaths

   • Pinch the nose.

   • Seal your mouth over the child’s mouth and blow for 1 second until the chest rises.

3. Start chest compressions (30 compressions)

   • Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest.

   • Compress about one-third the depth of the chest.

4. Continue CPR cycles

   • 30 compressions → 2 breaths → continue for about 1 minute.

5. Call 911 (if not already done), then continue CPR

   • Do not stop unless:

     • The child starts breathing normally

     • You are too exhausted to continue

     • A trained professional tells you to stop or takes over

Prevention Tips for Canadian Parents & Caregivers

• Always stay within arm’s reach of young children near water.

• Empty bathtubs, buckets and kiddie pools immediately after use.

• Ensure backyard pools in Canada have proper fencing and self-latching gates in line with local bylaws.

• Avoid alcohol or distraction (phones, social media, etc.) when supervising children in or near water.

• Make water safety and CPR training part of your family safety plan.

In Canada, many workplaces, daycares, schools, sports programs and community centres strongly benefit from having staff trained in CPR and basic first aid, including how to respond to choking and drowning emergencies.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information only and does not replace formal first aid or CPR training, professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. For any drowning or near-drowning emergency in Canada, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. To learn these skills in depth, register for an accredited first aid and CPR course through St Mark James Training or other recognized Canadian training providers.