Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in infants and children in 10 states, and near drowning accounts for more than 10 times as many accidents. Children aged 1 to 4 years are at the highest risk of drowning in residential swimming pools. Education of parents is a key variable in drowning prevention. Knowledge about water safety is centered around three important concepts: (a) supervision, (b) barriers, and (c) emergency procedures. The pediatric nurse plays an invaluable role in educating parents about these concepts and in increasing parents' awareness of safety risks.