Water Safety and Drowning Prevention for All Ages
Have Fun and Be Safe
Over 1,500 children and teens die every year in the U.S. from drowning. In Washington state, an average of 25 children and teens drown every year. Most of them are swimming, boating or just playing in or near water. The Washington State Drowning Prevention Network and Seattle Children’s work together to provide you with information and resources on water safety and drowning prevention.
We can prevent drownings if we all do our part!
Discount Life Jackets: 25% Off Coupon
This coupon (PDF) is good for 25% off a variety of life jackets at Big 5 Sporting Goods locations in Washington state and northern Idaho from April 1 through September 30, 2013.
Swimming and Water Recreation Resources in King County
Swimming is a fun and great way to get exercise. Knowing how to swim is a skill that can help keep you safe. There are many places for children, teens, families and adults to enjoy swimming in King County. Learn more about pools, beaches and boating programs where you, your family and your friends can enjoy swimming in King County.
Life Jacket Loaner Programs in Washington State
Life jacket loaner programs provide opportunities for families and friends to borrow life jackets at boating ramps, bathing beaches and other locations. The Washington State Parks and Recreation Boating Program, the Department of Health, Safe Kids and Seattle Children’s partner to provide a list of life jacket loaner programs, with the goal of preventing drownings in Washington state. Wearing a life jacket while swimming in lakes, rivers, oceans, and while boating is important for your safety and the safety of your children, family, and friends.
Everyone Swims is a partnership to increase access to swimming and water recreation among culturally diverse and low-income families in Seattle and King County, Washington. Over 20 different pools, water recreation organizations and community health clinics are working on developing policy and system changes related to swimming scholarships; swim ability screening; referral to swimming and water recreation programs; and special swim programs for children and families with unique needs. Learn more about this project and how you can improve access to swimming and water recreation safety.
New Washington State Drowning Prevention Policy Strategies
Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death among children and youth in Washington state. 85% of these drownings occur in open water, such as lakes and rivers. Policies are an important way to improve open water safety and prevent drowning. Learn more about a new five-year action plan and policy strategies to reduce open water drowning in Washington state.
New Open Water Guidelines
Drowning in open water, such as lakes, rivers and the ocean, is a major concern around the world. An 18-member international task force from 12 countries has developed a set of guidelines for families and individuals recreating at any open-water site.
Join the Washington State Drowning Prevention Network
The Washington State Drowning Prevention Network provides water safety and injury prevention organizations a forum to work on drowning prevention and water safety. Network activities include April Pools Day and Summer Splash-Tacular, life jacket loaner programs, injury prevention training, advocacy and media outreach and other drowning prevention and water safety activities. The network meets two to three times a year. To receive e-mails and event announcements, email the Washington State Drowning Prevention Network.
Online Drowning Prevention Resources
View our online resources for drowning prevention information and strategies.
Parents and families
Facts and data