Keeping Kids Safe Around Water: A Summer Must

Keeping Kids Safe Around Water: A Summer Must

With warmer days on the horizon, families are heading back to pools, beaches, and lakes. While water fun is a summer favorite, it comes with a real danger—especially for young children. Drowning is still one of the top causes of accidental death for kids, particularly those under five.

The scary truth is that drowning often happens silently and quickly. A child can slip underwater in seconds, and it doesn’t take deep water—just a small amount and a brief moment of distraction. Often, these accidents occur when children aren't even expected to be near the water.

That’s why constant supervision is critical. Even if there's a lifeguard nearby, a parent or adult should always have eyes on the child. It’s also a great idea to start swim lessons early to build confidence and safety skills in the water. Simple physical barriers, like a fence around a pool, can make a big difference in preventing access when no one's watching.

Learning CPR can also be a lifesaver. In the event of an emergency, knowing what to do while help is on the way could mean the difference between life and death.

This summer, let’s keep the joy in swimming by putting safety first. Water can be fun, refreshing, and full of memories—so long as we respect its power and protect our children every step of the way.