Helpful Tips for Summertime Water Safety 

By Amie Motley, FNP-C

Central Carolina Community Family Care

Nothing feels better than a dip in the water in summer, but it’s important to keep your safety in mind at all times. Every year in the U.S. there is an estimated average of 11 drowning deaths per day and an estimated average of 22 non-fatal drownings per day.

Drowning can happen in seconds and is often silent. And even non-fatal drowning can result in very serious injuries, permanent disabilities and long-term health problems.

Like heat-related illness, drowning can be prevented. Be it poolside, lakeside or beachside, the tips listed below are key to ensuring a fun, safe summer for all:

• Only swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy, especially if you have a seizure disorder or other medical condition that increases your risk of drowning.
• Never dive in the shallow end of a pool.
• Designate a responsible adult to supervise children closely and constantly when they are in or near water (including bathtubs).
• Make sure young children and inexperienced swimmers always wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around natural water and swimming pools.
• Always be cautious around natural bodies of water, which can contain hidden hazards like dangerous currents, underwater objects and limited visibility.
• Always wear a life jacket when boating – most boating fatalities occur from drowning.
• Avoid drinking alcohol before or during swimming, boating, and other water activities, and while you’re supervising children.
• Don’t hyperventilate or hold your breath for long periods of time in water – this can result in “hypoxic blackout” or “shallow water blackout.”
• If you have a pool or hot tub, or live near a body of water, always keep reach-and-throw equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and a first aid kit nearby in case of an emergency.

Following these helpful tips, taking the proper precautions and using your common sense can go a long way towards helping you stay safe and healthy all summer long. If you or someone you’re with shows signs of a heat-related illness or is a victim of a drowning incident, it’s important to seek proper medical attention immediately and – in cases of emergency – call 9-1-1.

For more information about drowning prevention and statistics about drowning in the U.S., visit https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/index.html.