When we talk about child drowning, our minds often turn to swimming pools, beaches, or water-based leisure activities. However, a significant number of these accidents happen indoors, in everyday places such as the bathroom, laundry room, or garden. Buckets, bathtubs, water tanks, or even toilets can pose serious risks to young children, especially those under the age of five.
Just a few centimetres of water are enough for a child to drown. The process is quick and silent—within less than 30 seconds and without any warning sounds, a child can lose consciousness in a small amount of water.
Children’s anatomy also plays a role in this risk: toddlers have proportionally heavier heads, which means that if they lean into a bucket or container, they may not have the strength to lift themselves back up.
Risk areas within the home include:
- Buckets filled with water (used for cleaning or bathing);
- Partially filled bathtubs;
- Uncovered toilets;
- Irrigation or water storage tanks;
- Puddles or containers left outside after rainfall.
Childhood should be lived with freedom and discovery—but always with the right protection. Identifying less obvious dangers is an essential step in ensuring children grow up safely, both inside and outside the home.
Because when it comes to children, the only safe depth is that of supervision.
17, June 2025
