I always forget to ask my doctor about how to prevent drowning. are there some steps i should be taking?

Learn to swim: Swimming lessons that include teaching the technique of "drown proofing" which is a really simple technique that teaches someone how to bob up and down in the water, using the bodies natural buoyancy to float, is helpful.

Drowning prevention: Most drownings occur in swimming pools in residential areas. The best strategy is to install appropriate fences around pools. Ask your city/county about the specific requirements. Studies have shown that the vast majority of pools in the US are not fenced! Also, there are alarms (like baby alarms) that your child can wear, which send a signal to the a base as soon as your child hits the water.

Avoid water: Take steps if you are going in the water to have safety vests or some flotation device to support you. Don't go in fast moving streams or currents. Take swimming lessons. Or avoid water altogether.