Prevent Drowning
Suffolk County Drowning Prevention Alliance
Stony Brook Children's has been named The Medical Center of Excellence in the first ever Suffolk County Drowning Prevention Alliance, a team of regional stakeholders committed to decreasing drownings across Suffolk County. Members of the alliance have identified key opportunities for intervention and developed a unified action plan with focused objectives. Through a collaborative, shared vision, the alliance is leading efforts to reduce preventable drownings.
Drownings Increased 60% in Suffolk County in 2024
Download 10 Ways to Prevent Drownings on Long Island tips!
Kids Water Safety with Dr. Bober
Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury and death for children ages one to four. Approximately 70% of all drownings in this age group occur when the child was not expected to be in the water or during non-swim times — such as playing with buckets of water. Drowning can occur in as little as two inches of water. In this video, Jacqueline Bober, DO, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, shares some important information regarding water safety on Long Island.
Water safety tips for all ages and what you need to know to prevent drowning
Learn how to protect children and adults from drowning
Long Island’s beaches, pools and lakes make the perfect escapes for a fun-filled summer. But with all that fun comes a critical responsibility: water safety. Drowning is a preventable tragedy. To help keep every member of your family safe this summer (adults, too), knowledge is key.
Understand the risks
Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury and death for children ages one to four. In fact, drowning can occur in as little as two inches of water. Be mindful of water dangers inside the home, too. Toilet bowl seats should be secured with a lock if you have young children.
Adults are also at risk. Nearly 5,000 people drown in the United States each year, according to the CDC.
The most important safety feature
Adult supervision is the most essential factor in keeping children safe. Always keep a watchful eye on children in or near water. Even if a lifeguard is present, never assume that he or she will serve as your eyes.
Beyond the basics
Enroll your children (and yourself if needed) in swimming lessons. Knowing how to swim significantly reduces the risk of drowning. In addition, learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). Being CPR-certified can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.
Safety tactics to follow now
- Start a “water-watcher” system where you assign one person to keep an eye on the pool. Take turns throughout the day to ensure each watcher has fresh eyes.
- Empty buckets, kiddie pools and any other water container after every use.
- Keep toys out of the pool during non-swim times to ensure children aren’t tempted to enter the pool to retrieve a toy.
- Use “touch” supervision by staying within arms distance of young children.
- Keep a phone with you at the pool or beach in order to call 911. Otherwise stay off the phone while children are in or near the water.
- Teach children to never swim alone.
Safeguard your home
- Install fencing around pools. Fencing can prevent over half of all swimming pool drownings in young children. Fences should completely separate pools from the home, have four sides, have self-closing and self-latching gates, and be tall and secure enough to prevent a toddler from climbing over. Make sure your fence is at least 4 feet high with a door that opens away from the pool, a latch at least 54 inches high and slats no more than 4 inches wide.
- Install multiple physical barriers. In addition to fences, install door locks and alarms to keep children out of the pool during non-swimming times.
- Remember hot tubs and spas! Keep locked safety covers on hot tubs and spas when not in use. If a drain cover is missing or broken, shut down the spa until the drain cover is repaired or replaced.
Tips for adult swimmers
Even as a confident swimmer, you can’t let your guard down. Whether enjoying the pool or taking a dip in the ocean, remember to:
- Never swim alone. Always have another adult nearby in case of an emergency. There really is safety in numbers.
- Swim and boat sober. Alcohol and other substances can cloud your judgment and slow your reflexes. Save them for after you're out of the water.
- Double-check your meds. Certain medications can affect your balance and coordination, making you more susceptible to drowning. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
- Listen to your body. If you have any medical conditions, especially those affecting your brain or heart, take extra precautions. Consult your doctor before heading into the water.
Act fast. Save a life.
If you spot someone having trouble in the water, every second counts to prevent long-term damage.
Here's what to do in a drowning emergency:
- Call for help immediately. If you can't safely reach the person yourself, shout for help from bystanders or a lifeguard (if present). Dial 911 immediately – don't wait.
- Get the person out of the water. Once on land, begin CPR as soon as possible. Even a few minutes of oxygen deprivation can cause lasting brain damage.
- Seek expert care. In near-drowning situations, victims should be taken to a Level 1 trauma center, such as Stony Brook Medicine. Our team of is specifically trained to care for these critical cases, giving patients the best chance at recovery.
An Important Message About Water Safety
Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death, especially in young children, and can happen in just inches of water. Whether at the beach, pool, or on a boat, constant supervision and simple precautions—like using barriers, avoiding distractions, and never swimming under the influence—can save lives. Know the signs of drowning and how to respond quickly to keep summer safe and fun.
Kids Water Safety with Dr. Bober
Drowning is the leading cause of death in kids ages 1–4. It can happen quickly and unexpectedly, especially at gatherings. Always assign a Water Watcher, keep pools fenced, and stay close to young swimmers. In an emergency, call 911 and go to a Level 1 Trauma Center like Stony Brook University Hospital.
