National Water Safety Month: Protecting Children Around Water

May is National Water Safety Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of water safety and drowning prevention. As warmer weather draws families to pools, beaches, and lakes, it’s crucial to promote safe swimming practices for kids and educate parents and caregivers on preventing accidents in and around water.

Why Water Safety for Children Matters

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 4. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency care for submersion injuries. These sobering statistics highlight the urgent need for child water safety education.

Key Water Safety Tips for Children

To keep children safe during swimming and water play, follow these essential guidelines:

• Supervision is critical: Always maintain active, undistracted supervision when children are near or in water—even if lifeguards are present.
• Enroll children in swim lessons: Swimming lessons can significantly reduce the risk of drowning. Many local YMCAs and aquatic centers offer age-appropriate swim instruction.
• Use barriers and alarms: Install pool fences with self-closing self-latching gates and consider pool alarms for added protection.
• Learn CPR: Parents and caregivers should be trained in CPR to respond quickly in an emergency.
• Inflatable toys and arm floaties are not substitutes for life jackets or swimming skills.
• Teach water rules: Educate children on basic pool rules such as no running, no diving in shallow areas, and always swimming with a buddy.
• Wear life jackets near open water: Anytime children are near lakes, rivers, or the ocean, ensure they wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

Water Safety Beyond the Pool

While pools are a common site for drowning incidents, bathtubs, buckets, and even toilets pose risks for young children:

• Never leave babies unattended in the bath, even for a moment.
• Keep bathroom doors closed and consider childproof locks to prevent unsupervised access.
• Empty containers of water immediately after use, including kiddie pools and buckets.

Prioritize Safety for a Fun, Safe Summer

National Water Safety Month is a timely reminder to take proactive steps to keep children safe around water. Families can enjoy the water through supervision, education, and preparedness while minimizing risks. Whether at the pool, beach, or bath, water safety for kids should always be a top priority.