Enjoy the Water Safely This Summer 

This article originally appeared in our August 2026 “Your Health” Newsletter

Enjoy the Water Safely This Summer 

Summer is the best time for swimming and boating! A few simple habits can keep your family and friends safe while you enjoy the water. 

Simple Ways to Stay Safe 

  • Watch closely: Always choose an adult to keep their eyes on the water when kids are swimming. 
  • Take swimming lessons: Learning to swim is a fun way to build confidence, stay safe, and prevent a lifelong disability from a near-drowning incident. 
  • Never swim alone: Always swim with a buddy, because even the most experienced swimmers can get a cramp, tire out, or have a medical emergency without someone there to help. 
  • Look before you dive: Always check the water depth and look for obstacles before diving in. This simple step helps protect against severe spinal injuries that can lead to a permanent physical disability. 
  • Secure the pool: Use fences, self-locking gates, or covers to keep curious kids from wandering near the water alone. 
  • Learn CPR: Knowing basic CPR gives you peace of mind and the power to help in an emergency. 

Learn More: 

References 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Drowning prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/about/ 

Schwebel, Goetz, & Sieben. (n.d.). Swimming pool and diving injuries. Retrieved from https://www.schwebel.com/press/swimming-pool-and/ 

Shepherd Center. (n.d.). Swimming safety and diving injury prevention. Retrieved from https://www.shepherd.org/education/injury-prevention/diving-risks 

Stanford Children’s Health. (n.d.). Water safety injury statistics and incidence rates. Retrieved from https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=water-safety-injury-statistics-and-incidence-rates-90-P03004 

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. (n.d.). Safety tips. Retrieved from https://www.poolsafely.gov/parents/safety-tips/ 

Posted in ,