Water Safety

Learn the ins and outs of water and boating safety

Water activities, everything from swimming to boating, are fun, yes, but everyone should prepare themselves by learning all about water safety. Whether you are by yourself, having fun with friends, or caring for a child while enjoying the water, a little knowledge can go a long way—and perhaps save a life.

Keep your head above water

Water safety means taking appropriate steps to avoid death or injury while in or near the water. However, water safety requires caution and constant vigilance, especially where children are concerned. A caregiver should stay alert when their child is playing near a lake, pond, river, or swimming pool because drowning can occur quickly and quietly.

Statistics to keep in mind about water safety

There have been 28 pediatric drowning cases at Parkview since 2019.
Drowning is the number one leading cause of death for children ages one to four.
Drowning is the number two cause of preventable death for children up to age 15.
Most of these drownings, approximately 69 percent, occur during nonswimming times.

American Red Cross water-safety guidance

Provide close and constant attention to children when they are in any body of water, even if a lifeguard is present. They should be within arm’s distance of an adult in the event there is a safety issue.
Caregivers should avoid distractions, such as cell phones, and never leave a child unattended.
Teach children to always stay away from bodies of water when not with an adult and to always ask permission before swimming.
Designate a “water watcher” when in a group setting.
Secure pools and bodies of water with appropriate barriers where possible.
Put your child in swimming or water-safety classes.

Recommendations for swimwear and life jackets

In a pool, where the water is clear, it is safer to wear dark or bright-colored swimwear that can be seen more easily. If you’re swimming in a lake or pond, where the water is not as clear, lighter, brighter colors are better. Wearing designated swim clothing or swimwear is safer than T-shirts or flowy clothing. The main concern with loose clothing is that it may get caught in drains or other areas (in natural bodies of water) that could impede the ability of a child to get to the surface or a safe location.

Appropriate life jackets are essential and should be worn by anyone who is on the water. They should be approved by the US Coast Guard, in good condition, fit the user, and be readily accessible or available to the user in case of an emergency. They shouldn’t be stowed in a locked compartment or beneath equipment such as fishing rods or tackle boxes.

Rip currents—what you should know to stay safe

Open water requires strong swimming skills, especially because of rip currents, which are responsible for most rescues performed by lifeguards. To keep yourself safe, there are steps you can take if you are caught in a rip current:

Stay calm and do not fight it.
Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current, then swim to the shore.
If you can’t swim parallel, float or tread water until you are out of the rip current.
If you can’t make it to shore, draw attention to yourself by waving and calling for help.

If you see someone caught in a rip current, take action:

Find a lifeguard or call 911.
Attempt to instruct them how to escape.
Throw them something that will help them float (life jacket, cooler, inflatable toy).
Do not enter the water to attempt a rescue unless you are trained to do so.

Ride the waves

Fun boating means safe boating. Here are a few tips that apply to all watercrafts, including kayaks and canoes:

Get proper, up-to-date training or licensure.
Avoid alcohol use when operating.
Ensure that every passenger wears or has available a US Coast Guard–approved life jacket of appropriate size, regardless of swimming skills or water competency.
If you and another boater are heading toward each other, gently turn to your right while the other boater turns to their right. If this is not possible, slow down to allow for the space and time to avoid a collision.
If you are in a kayak or on a paddleboard, it is best to stay within or near the buoys.

Learn the ins and outs of water and boating safety

Keep your head above water

Rip currents—what you should know to stay safe

Ride the waves

Beyond water safety