Skip to content
"Whether you're in a pool, lake or ocean, summer is the time to make a splash." (Shutterstock.com)
“Whether you’re in a pool, lake or ocean, summer is the time to make a splash.” (Shutterstock.com)
Author
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:

Whether you’re in a pool, lake or ocean, summer is the time to make a splash. But before you cannonball into the water, plan ahead and keep in mind important safety tips.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 10 people die of accidental drowning every day in the U.S. Keep your child’s swimming adventures safe by following these guidelines

Keep a close eye on kids: Children must be watched at all times by an adult – no exceptions. Teach your kids how to swim and follow basic safety rules, such as no running around or roughhousing in the water. Children who don’t have strong swimming skills should wear floatation devices such as life jackets. Parents still need to be vigilant while their children are paddling around. Also, be aware that toddlers can drown in very small amounts of water, such as the amount that would fill a bucket, if not properly supervised.

Be prepared before taking the plunge: Keep a flotation device handy to toss to a child struggling in the water. It can even be a noodle or a raft. Make sure you and your child know the depth of the water before diving in. For large bodies of water, have your child stay in designated swimming areas and find out if there are rip currents or tides that can create unsafe swimming conditions.

Use the buddy system: Your child should never swim alone. If no swim partner is available, make sure there’s a lifeguard watching. Make sure your child knows the rules of the pool or beach and follows them. 

Know how to save a life: CPR and first-aid courses are easy to find, and the time you put into them is paid back in full with the assurance that you know how to handle swimming emergencies involving children and adults. Check with your local hospital for a class schedule, or find one online through the American Heart Association (heart.org). Be aware that not all drowning victims have immediate distress. “Secondary” or “delayed” drowning can take seven hours or longer to develop. Even if a child appears to be OK, he or she should be treated at a hospital if there has been significant choking or aspiration.

Be a smart pool owner: If you have a pool or hot tub, ensure that you have the proper safety features in place to protect children. These include sturdy pool covers, fences, alarms, rescue equipment and safe drain covers.

Phillip Cecchini, M.D., is a board-certified family medicine physician with Mission Heritage Medical Group, part of the St. Joseph Hoag Health network with Mission Hospital.