How can I effectively educate parents about drowning prevention strategies in children?

To effectively educate parents about drowning prevention strategies for children, provide tailored, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive information on water safety that addresses the specific risks in their environment.

Ensure parents understand the importance of constant and proper supervision, especially for younger children, and clearly define what effective supervision entails.

Inform parents about the increased drowning risks for certain groups, such as boys, older children outside the home, and children with medical conditions, so they can be extra vigilant.

Encourage and support children to become competent swimmers and to learn water safety skills, including rescue techniques, through swimming lessons that incorporate water safety education.

Provide information on recognising and managing hazards in various water environments such as lakes, rivers, canals, and coastal areas, including understanding coastal warning flags.

Make educational materials readily available in accessible formats and multiple languages to meet the household’s needs and circumstances.

Offer timely advice, for example during holiday seasons or extreme weather conditions, to reinforce awareness and preparedness.

Incorporate advice on home water safety, including risks from baths and garden ponds, and provide resources from trusted organisations like the National Water Safety Forum and the Child Accident Prevention Trust.