When the sun is strong and the air is warm, few things feel better than cooling off in the water. But beneath the surface of these refreshing waters lurks a silent danger: drowning. A leading cause of accidental death in children, these tragic incidents often occur in an instant and can be entirely prevented with the right precautions.  

Here are some vital safety tips for parents and guardians, ensuring that every splash is filled with joy and laughter, rather than fear.  

Understanding Drowning Risks 

Drowning can happen quickly and silently. Common factors that increase the risk of drowning include: 

• Lack of supervision: Most drowning incidents occur when a child is left unattended 

• Poor swimming skills: Even children who can swim may not be prepared for unexpected currents or deep water 

• Alcohol consumption: Drinking alcohol can impair adults’ judgment and ability to safely supervise children around water  

• Lack of barriers: Pools, hot tubs and other bodies of water that are not properly fenced off can be easily accessed without supervision   

Preventive Measures 

Drowning can be prevented. Keep your family safe by following these steps:  

1. Maintain constant supervision: Always keep a watchful eye on children when they are near water. Designate a “water watcher” who is actively responsible for supervising kids, and rotate responsibilities when needed.  

2. Enroll your kids in swimming lessons: Teaching children how to swim at an early age can greatly reduce their risk of drowning. Look for programs that teach water safety skills as well. 

3. Use proper safety gear: Ensure that children wear life jackets that fit them correctly when engaging in water activities, especially in open water such as lakes and oceans. 

4. Establish safety rules: Create and enforce clear rules about water safety, such as no running near the pool, no diving into shallow areas and no swimming alone. 

5. Learn CPR: Parents and caregivers should be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid. This knowledge can save lives in emergencies. 

6. Install barriers: If you have a pool, install a four-foot fence with self-closing and self-latching gates to prevent unsupervised access. 

What to Do in Case of an Emergency 

Even with the best precautions, accidents can still happen. Knowing how to respond in case of a drowning emergency is crucial. If you notice a child struggling or going underwater, yell for help immediately. Panic can set in quickly, and calling for assistance can bring others to help. 

If it’s safe to do so, reach out to the child using a pole, a throw rope or an extendable arm. Avoid entering the water unless you are trained and able, as a panicking child can inadvertently put you at risk. 

Once the child is out of the water, call 9-1-1. If they are unconscious, begin CPR immediately. Check for breathing and pulse before administering chest compressions and rescue breaths. Continue until professional help arrives or the child begins to breathe. 

If the child is breathing but has signs of distress, place them in a recovery position on their side to keep their airway open. Monitor their condition until emergency responders arrive. 

Even after a child successfully recovers from a near-drowning, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. Complications can arise later, including dry drowning or secondary drowning, where water inhaled during the incident can lead to respiratory problems. 

By prioritizing water safety through supervision, education and preparedness, parents can significantly decrease the risks for their children. The Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital and WMCHealth emergency teams are committed to drowning prevention and treatment. Learn more.