Summer Water Safety Tips: Keeping Children Safe Around Water

As summer approaches and families head to the beach, lake, or pool to cool off, it’s crucial to remember water safety tips to keep children safe. Drowning is a leading cause of death for children, with more incidents occurring in the summer months.

In 2021, 973 children under the age of 19 drowned in the United States, and another 6,500 were treated for near-drowning incidents. To prevent these tragedies, it’s essential to have an adult monitoring the water at all times and never allow children to swim alone.

For those with backyard pools, a safety barrier is crucial to prevent unsupervised access to the water. Children should also learn to swim, and parents should have appropriate safety equipment on hand in case of emergencies.

Teaching children essential water skills, such as floating, treading water, and finding a safe place, can help prevent drowning incidents. It’s also important to create a safe environment by designating a water watcher and avoiding distractions while children are in the water.

When swimming in open water, such as the ocean or a lake, children should be aware of potential hazards like rip currents and undertow. Using designated swimming areas and following posted signs and lifeguard schedules can help ensure a safe experience.

By following these water safety tips and being vigilant while children are in or near the water, families can enjoy a fun and safe summer season. Remember, it only takes a few minutes for a drowning incident to occur, so always prioritize water safety.