Dozens of children drown in Spain every year, and summer is when most cases happen. Among children under five, private swimming pools are the most common setting. Knowing how to respond — and how to prevent accidents — can save a life.
Different risks at different ages
Young children. A small child can drown in just a few centimetres of water: a bath, a bucket, an inflatable pool or a fountain. Drowning is fast and usually silent. Constant supervision by an adult is the only reliable protection.
Teenagers and young adults. At this age, drownings happen more often in the sea, rivers and reservoirs, frequently linked to risk-taking — jumping into shallow water, swimming out too far — or to alcohol.
What to do in an emergency
- Get the child out of the water as quickly as possible, without putting yourself in danger.
- Check whether they are breathing.
- If they are conscious and breathing, lay them on their side in the recovery position so that any water can drain and the airway stays clear.
- If they are not breathing, call 112 — or ask someone else to call — and start CPR immediately. In drowning, the problem is lack of oxygen, so rescue breaths are especially important. If you are alone, give about one minute of CPR before stopping briefly to call for help.
- Keep going until the emergency services arrive or the child starts breathing.
- Keep them warm: remove wet clothing, dry them and cover them with a blanket.
- Don’t try to force water out of the stomach by pressing on it; it wastes time and can cause vomiting.
Any child who has been pulled from the water after a drowning incident should be checked by a doctor, even if they seem to recover, because breathing problems can develop hours later.
Swimming lessons
Paediatricians say children can begin formal swimming lessons from around the age of four, and that water familiarisation between one and four years of age can also reduce risk. But lessons never replace supervision.
Floats and safety equipment
Properly fitted, approved life jackets are the most effective equipment for children near water. Armbands, rubber rings and neck floats do not prevent drowning and can create a false sense of security.
Prevention at home and on holiday
- One adult should always be responsible for watching children in the water, without distractions.
- Fence pools and keep gates closed.
- Empty inflatable pools and buckets after use.
- Learn basic CPR.
