In several of the bathtub incidents, children were left to play in a tub with the water running and the drain left open. The parent or caregiver assumed the open drain would prevent the bathtub from filling up and left the bathroom. When they returned, the drain was closed or clogged, the water had filled the bathtub, and the child was submerged.

Other deaths of children under 5 occurred in spas or hot tubs, buckets, wading pools, landscape ponds, and in one case, a plastic basin.

Here are steps you can take to help prevent drowning in your home:

• Young children can drown in even small amounts of water. Never leave young children alone near any water.
  
  
• Always keep a baby within arm's reach in a bathtub. Never leave to answer the phone, answer the door, get a towel or for any other reason. If you must leave, take the baby with you.
  
  
• Don't leave a baby or toddler in a bathtub under the care of another young child.
  
  
• A baby bath seat is not a substitute for supervision. A bath seat is a bathing aid, not a safety device. Babies can slip or climb out of bath seats and drown.
  
  
• Keep toilet lids down to prevent access to water. Consider using toilet clips to stop young children from opening the lids.
  
  
• Consider keeping children out of bathrooms by using bathroom door latches that are out of reach of young children.
  
  
• Never leave a bucket containing even a small amount of liquid unattended. After using a bucket, always empty and store it where young children cannot reach it. Buckets left outside can collect rainwater and are a hazard. Toddlers can fall headfirst into 4- and 5-gallon buckets and drown.
  
  
• To prevent children from gaining access to spas or hot tubs when not in use, always secure safety covers and barriers. Non-rigid covers (such as solar covers) can appear to be in place even after children slip underneath them into the water.
  
  
• Learn CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). It can be a lifesaver when seconds count.