Essential Tips for Keeping Your Family Safe Around Water

As the days grow warmer, people of all ages are heading to lakes, streams, beaches and pools to find relief from the heat. While it’s easy to get swept up in all the fun that swimming, boating, and floating provide, it’s important to remember that it’s not without risk.

Over 4,500 Americans died by drowning annually between 2020 and 2022. Children ages 1 to 4 are among the groups at highest risk. In fact, drowning is the number one cause of death for American children 1 to 4 years old. In addition, adults 65 and older, and Black people of all ages are also at increased risk. 

To keep everyone safe this summer, follow these water safety tips.

General Water Safety Tips

1. Learn to Swim: Enroll in swimming lessons if you or your children don't know how to swim. Knowing how to swim can be a lifesaver in an emergency. To find swimming lessons near your, visit one of the following sites:

- The YMCA

- United States Swim School Association

- USA Swimming

- The Red Cross

You can also contact local your local pool to learn when they’re hosting lessons:

MASSACHUSETTS
Williamstown: Sand Springs Pool

NEW YORK

Hoosick Falls: Weir-Reynolds Community Pool

VERMONT

Bennington: Bennington Rec - Berkshire Family YMCA

Manchester: Manchester Town Pool

2. Supervise Children: Always keep a close eye on children when they are in or near water. Designate a responsible adult to watch over them and avoid distractions like reading or using a phone.
3. Use Life Jackets: Ensure that everyone, especially non-swimmers and children, wears a properly fitted life jacket when boating or participating in water sports.
4. Swim in Designated Areas: Swim in areas supervised by lifeguards whenever possible. These areas are usually safer and have help readily available in case of an emergency.
5. Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol impairs judgment, balance, and coordination. Avoid drinking alcohol before or during water activities.

Pool Safety

1. Install Barriers: If you have a pool at home, install a fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent unsupervised access by children.
2. Learn CPR: Knowing CPR can be invaluable in an emergency. Consider taking a CPR course to be prepared.
3. Keep Pool Areas Clear: Remove toys and floats from the pool area when not in use to prevent children from being tempted to enter the water unsupervised.
4. Use Pool Covers: When the pool is not in use, cover it with a safety cover to prevent accidental falls.

Beach Safety

1. Check Weather Conditions: Before heading to the beach, check the weather and water conditions. Avoid swimming in rough seas or during storms.
2. Swim Near Lifeguards: Always swim in areas where lifeguards are present. They are trained to respond quickly in emergencies.
3. Be Aware of Rip Currents: Learn how to identify and escape rip currents. If caught in one, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim back to shore.
4. Stay Hydrated and Use Sunscreen: Protect yourself from the sun by applying sunscreen regularly and drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Boating Safety

1. Wear Life Jackets: Ensure that everyone on board wears a life jacket at all times.
2. Follow Boating Laws: Familiarize yourself with and follow local boating laws and regulations.
3. Check Equipment: Before heading out, check that your boat is in good working condition and that you have all necessary safety equipment, including flares, a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and a life jacket for everyone on board.
4. Avoid Overloading: Do not overload the boat with people or equipment, as this can make it unstable and increase the risk of capsizing.

Spending time in or around water can be a great experience but it’s important to prioritize safety over fun so that the memories you make are happy ones.

Spencer Ciancola, PA, is a member of the ExpressCare team at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.