Water activities on area lakes or rivers are a favorite pastime for many, especially during the summer. However, water safety is critical. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death, particularly among young children. With awareness and proper precautions, these tragedies are often preventable.
Preventing drowning starts with supervision. Constant, undistracted supervision is the most effective way to prevent drowning. Children can slip under water in seconds and silently. Always keep your eyes on children when they are in or near water, including pools, lakes, bathtubs, and even buckets. Designate a “water watcher”—an adult tasked with supervising swimmers without distractions like phones or books.
Wear life jackets on watercraft. Life jackets save lives. Whether you’re boating, kayaking, or jet skiing, everyone—especially children—should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Accidents on the water can happen suddenly. A properly fitted life jacket can keep a person afloat even if they are unconscious or unable to swim. Don’t rely on inflatable toys; they are not substitutes for life jackets.
Enroll in water safety and CPR courses. Knowing how to respond in an emergency can be the difference between life and death. Taking a certified CPR class equips you with the skills to help a drowning victim until professional help arrives. The American Red Cross offers online classes in CPR and basic water safety, including how to recognize signs of drowning and perform rescue techniques safely. For more information, go to www.americanredcross.org.
Respond quickly when a child Is missing. If a child goes missing near water, every second counts. Immediately check the water first—seconds can save lives. Scan the entire surface and then check underwater. Alert lifeguards and call emergency services right away. The faster a child is located and given aid, the greater their chances of survival.
“By staying alert, using life jackets, and getting trained in CPR, we can enjoy water activities while keeping ourselves and our loved ones safe,” advises Dr. Robin Muller, family physician at Riverwood Healthcare Center. “Water is meant to be enjoyed—but it must be respected.”