As we head into the summer months, it’s an important time to remember that drowning is preventable, yet it remains one of the leading causes of death for young children and individuals under 30.
- Drowning rarely looks the way it does in the movies. Most people assume they’ll hear splashing or yelling, but drowning is often silent. It can happen in less than a minute and in as little as a few inches of water.
- Bystanders are often the first line of defense. Research shows that drowning victims are most often rescued by people nearby, not trained professionals, simply because they’re closest to the incident. More than 60% of bystander rescues happen alone, before help arrives.
Don’t just swim, watch. Everyone near water should stay actively engaged to ensure everyone is being water smart. Whether it’s a child, a friend, or a stranger, you may be the only person positioned to help.
Layers of protection around water are what prevent drowning deaths: close and constant supervision, barriers (e.g., pool fencing), wearing U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, choosing lifeguarded areas, and learning how to swim.
- Water safety starts with simple habits. Teach children to ask permission before entering the water, so adults can confirm a designated water watcher is in place alongside any lifeguards.
- Everyone should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating, fishing, or enjoying paddle sports—any time they are in open water without lifeguard coverage.
- Swim lessons, individual or group lessons, build confidence, strengthen skills, and open the door to safer experiences in, on, and around the water.
- Trained lifeguards are essential at beaches, pools, and water parks, but anyone can help. Knowing how to recognize distress in the water could be lifesaving. Remember: reach or throw, don’t go. Use a reaching pole or ring buoy to assist someone in trouble without putting yourself at risk.
- Untrained water rescues can become a second emergency. When someone is drowning, the majority of people who step in don’t have water safety training, putting the rescuer and victim at risk. If you see someone in trouble, signal a lifeguard immediately. Yell to get their attention, but do not enter the water yourself. “Double drowning” is a real danger, even strong swimmers can be overwhelmed by a panicked victim without proper training.
Make this summer memorable for all the right reasons. Equip yourself and your family with the skills and knowledge to be water smart, water competent, and ready to help others safely. Visit redcross. org/watersafety.
- The Red Cross offers a wide range of resources to help families understand and reduce drowning risks, and to help people of all ages build the knowledge and skills to enjoy the water safely.
- Swim lessons from an authorized Red Cross provider are available for all ages and skill levels. Visit redcross.org/ watersafety to find a class near you.
- CPR and AED training isn’t just a medical skill, it’s a caregiving essential. Visit redcross.org to find a class near you.
- Parents and caregivers can also access free resources at redcross.org/watersafetyforkids, like the American Red Cross Longfellow’s WHALE Tales Water Safety for Children program, which helps teach water safety to children in a fun and engaging way, without the need for water.
- Parents and caregivers can also increase their water safety knowledge through our free, online course, Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers. This brief course is 20 minutes in length and is available in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole.
Sources
Aquatics Talking Points: including messaging specific to WHALES Tales, Centennial Campaign, home pool safety and lifeguarding. – National Minority Health Month TPs (Training Services section).