Essential Water Safety Tips to Prevent Drowning

As the summer heat kicks in, many of us head to the pool, lake, or beach to cool off. But without taking proper safety measures, time spent in and around water can quickly turn dangerous.

In the United States, more than 4,000 people die from drowning each year. Many water-related incidents happen quickly and without warning, but they are preventable. Follow these essential water safety tips so you can enjoy the water with confidence all summer long.

1. Keep children in sight at all times

Drowning can happen in seconds and is often silent. Provide constant supervision when children are in or near water, even if a lifeguard is present.

Avoid distractions like checking your phone, responding to a message, or stepping away for even a brief moment. Do not assume another adult is closely monitoring your child.

2. Wear a life jacket

A life jacket is an essential safety device for people of all ages. It helps keep you afloat and can save your life if you suddenly become tired, injured, or unexpectedly fall into the water.

Wearing a life jacket is especially important for weak or new swimmers and when you are around natural waters—lakes, rivers, and oceans—where water conditions can change quickly.

Ensure your life jacket is:

• U.S. Coast Guard approved.
• Properly fitted. It should not be too loose or too tight. Never put a child in a life jacket they can “grow into.”
• Appropriate for your activity. Different life jackets are designed for specific uses such as boating, kayaking, or water sports, so check the label before use.
• Securely fastened before entering or getting near the water.

Do not rely on pool floaties or other inflatable devices to keep you safely afloat as they can easily slip off or deflate.

3. Install a fence around home pools

Among children ages 1–4, drowning is the leading cause of death in the U.S., with most cases occurring in home swimming pools. To prevent unsupervised pool access, install a four-sided fence that fully surrounds the pool, separating it from the house and yard.

Ensure your fence is:

• At least four feet tall.
• Equipped with self-closing, self-latching gates that open outward.
• Kept clear of objects such as chairs, tables, or toys that could be used for climbing over the fence.
• Locked when pool is not in use.

4. Do not swim alone

Even strong swimmers can face unexpected situations such as fatigue, cramps, or sudden medical events. Without someone nearby, there is no one to call for help if something goes wrong.

Create a “buddy system” that ensures everyone in your family always enters and exits the water with someone else.

5. Remove pool toys after use

Inflatable floaties, inner tubes, noodles, and pool games should be removed from the pool immediately after use. Leaving these items in the water can attract young children and prompt them to reach for them or enter the water without supervision.

6. Drain small amounts of standing water

Even a few inches of water can be enough for a young child to drown. Always drain kiddie pools, bathtubs, and buckets immediately after use.

Make water safety a priority

Water-related activities are a great way to enjoy the warm weather, but they can come with serious risks. By following these water safety tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of drowning and help protect yourself and those around you throughout the season.