Water Safety Tips for Kids: As school lets out and temperatures rise, families flock to beaches, lakes, and pools. With July marking the peak of drowning incidents, it’s crucial to revisit water safety measures to protect children.

Drowning stands as the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of accidental death for those aged 5 to 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)【CDC】. In 2021 alone, 973 children under 19 drowned in the U.S., and 6,500 more were treated for near-drowning incidents【Safe Kids Worldwide】.

The Summer Surge in Drownings

More drownings occur in summer, especially in July, than any other time of the year, reports the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Lifeguard Daniel Barnickel from Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue emphasizes the need for constant adult supervision around water, stating, “Never swim alone”.

Backyard Pool Safety

For those with backyard pools, the most critical safety feature is a barrier, such as a fence, to prevent unsupervised access. The American Red Cross notes that many home drownings occur when children are not expected to be in the water, often slipping away unnoticed for just a few minutes. Therefore, ensuring children learn to swim is vital, with numerous programs, including Red Cross swimming courses, available nationwide.

If a child goes missing, immediately check the water first. Keep essential safety equipment nearby, such as a throwable flotation device, a phone to call for help, life jackets, and a first aid kit.

Essential Swimming Skills

Safe Kids Worldwide advises that all children should learn to:

• Step or jump into deep water and return to the surface safely
• Float or tread water
• Quickly turn around in water and find an exit
• Combine breathing with forward movement in the water

Creating a Safe Environment

When multiple adults are present, designate a “water watcher” to monitor the children, rotating every 15 minutes to ensure constant supervision. Avoid distractions like phones or books, as drowning can happen silently and within minutes. Remove pool toys after swimming to prevent children from being tempted to reach for them later.

Teach children to avoid pool drains and suction devices, which can entrap hair or limbs. Since 2014, public pools in the U.S. must comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act, which mandates drain covers and other safety features.

Additional Safety Tips

Always swim with a buddy or in areas supervised by lifeguards. Ensure young or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, sized appropriately for their height and weight. Keep children within arm’s reach and enforce pool rules like no running, pushing, or chewing gum while swimming. Teach them to know the water’s depth to avoid diving into shallow areas.

Open Water Precautions

Swimming in open water like oceans or lakes differs significantly from pools. Children should understand the risks of limited visibility, uneven surfaces, currents, and undertows. Barnickel highlights the danger of rip currents, especially in South Florida, which can unexpectedly pull swimmers out to sea. Stick to designated swimming areas and heed posted signs about water hazards and lifeguard hours.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for your children around water.

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