Essential water safety tips for families

For many kids and families, summer means one thing: spending time in the water. Whether you’re headed to the pool, beach, lake or splash pad, swimming and water play can help families stay active and cool off during hot weather.

But water also comes with risks — especially for young children.

Drowning remains a leading cause of injury-related death for children, according to the CDC. The good news is there are practical steps families can take to help prevent drowning and reduce the risk of injuries around water.

Daniel Brennan, M.D., a pediatrician with Sutter, shares water safety tips to help keep swimming kids safer all summer long.

Create a water watcher system

Drowning is often silent and can happen quickly, even when adults are nearby. One of the most important water safety habits is assigning a dedicated “water watcher.”

That person’s only responsibility is supervising children in and around the water. That means no phones, conversations or other distractions.

If several adults are present, rotate water watcher duties every 15 minutes to help everyone stay alert. Toddlers and inexperienced swimmers should always stay within arm’s reach of an adult in the water.

Brennan also says supervising adults should know how to swim themselves.

Secure your pool area

If you have a backyard pool or hot tub, barriers can help prevent unsupervised access.

Brennan recommends:

• Installing a fence at least 4 feet high around pools and hot tubs
• Using self-closing, self-latching gates that open away from the pool
• Removing toys and floats from the pool area after use
• Emptying kiddie pools, buckets and water tables immediately after use
• Storing inflatable pools upside down so they don’t collect water

Children should also be taught to stay away from pool drains and suction outlets. While public pools must follow modern safety standards, it’s still important to make sure drain covers are secure.

Set pool rules early

Clear pool safety rules can help prevent injuries before they happen.

You might want to remind kids to:

• Ask permission before entering the water
• Avoid pushing or roughhousing in the pool
• Keep scooters, bikes and riding toys away from wet pool decks
• Walk instead of running near the pool
• Stay out of shallow water when diving

It’s also important to keep electronics, chargers and appliances away from the water’s edge.

“One of the best pool safety tips is making sure children never enter the water without first checking with an adult,” Brennan says.

Use the right safety gear

Sun protection isn’t the only equipment that needs to make it into your pool bag. But while inflatable water wings and arm bands seem reassuring, they aren’t designed to prevent drowning.

For boating and for children who are still learning to swim, Brennan recommends a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket that fits properly based on your child’s size and weight.

Build water competency skills

Swimming lessons can help children become more comfortable and confident in the water. Kids can begin learning basic water competency skills at an early age, including:

• Floating on their back
• Reaching the surface after entering deeper water
• Treading water

Brennan also encourages parents and caregivers to learn CPR. Starting CPR immediately while waiting for emergency responders can help improve outcomes during a water emergency.

Stay alert in lakes, rivers and oceans

Natural bodies of water can present additional hazards, including poor visibility, uneven surfaces, strong currents and sudden drop-offs.

When possible, swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards. Families can also talk with children about rip currents and other changing water conditions before heading to the beach or lake.

Before diving into any body of water, make sure the area is deep enough and free of hidden rocks or other hazards beneath the surface.

Keep your phone nearby

If you’re heading to the beach, lake or waterpark, keep your phone nearby in case of emergencies. A waterproof case can help protect your phone while still keeping it accessible.