Swimming and spending time on or near the water is one of the best ways to relax and cool off during the summer. Whether you're at the neighborhood pool, the beach or the lake, water activities also come with risks. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental injury and death, especially among children and teens, and it can happen in the time it takes to send a text.
The good news is that most drowning deaths are preventable. Close supervision, water competency, swim lessons and simple safety habits dramatically reduce the risk and help keep everyone safer around the water. Learn these essential water safety tips to help prevent drowning, recognize the warning signs and enjoy the water safely all summer long.
Never swim alone
The first rule of water safety is to never swim alone. Even experienced swimmers should always have a buddy nearby. When children are in the water, adults should stay within arm's reach, even if the child knows how to swim. If you're swimming at a beach or lake, choose an area monitored by a lifeguard whenever possible.
Teach kids to swim early
Swimming is an important life skill for any child who spends time around pools, lakes, rivers or the ocean. Teaching children water competency and swimming skills helps reduce the risk of drowning. Consider enrolling your child in swim lessons at an early age and continue practicing water safety as they grow. If you're looking for swim lessons, the American Red Cross offers resources to help families find classes in their area, and many local YMCAs, recreation departments and community organizations also provide age-appropriate instruction.
Children should always be supervised
Children should never be left unattended near a pool or any body of water, even if they know how to swim. Accidents happen quickly, and drowning is often silent.
Teach children to always ask permission before going near the water. Even when lifeguards are present, parents and caregivers should actively supervise children and minimize distractions such as cell phones while watching them swim.
Choose the safest swimsuit colors
Swimsuit color can make a difference in how quickly a swimmer can be seen underwater. According to the U.S. Swim School Association, bright, high-visibility colors are much easier to spot than colors that blend into the water.
For swimming pools, lakes, ponds and open water
- Neon orange
- Neon yellow
- Neon pink
Colors to avoid
- Light blue
- Dark blue
- Gray
- White
- Black
Choosing a brightly colored swimsuit adds another layer of protection, but it should never replace active supervision, swim lessons, wearing properly fitted life jackets or swimming in areas with lifeguards.
Know what drowning looks like
Drowning can happen quickly and it doesn’t look like it does in the movies. Most people who are drowning are unable to wave, yell or call for help.
Instead, they may appear unusually quiet, struggle to keep their mouth above water, slip beneath the surface or be found floating face down. Their arms instinctively push downward in an attempt to stay above the water rather than reaching up for help. If someone in the water suddenly becomes quiet or disappears beneath the surface, act immediately.
Water safety tips for teenagers
As children become teenagers, they often spend more time around water without direct adult supervision. While swimming ability is important, even strong swimmers can drown.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that teens never swim alone and choose areas with a lifeguard whenever possible. They should also pay attention to weather conditions, water currents and posted safety warnings and avoid diving into unfamiliar water.
The American Academy of Pediatrics and the U.S. Coast Guard also recommend wearing a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and participating in other water sports.
Alcohol and drugs should always be avoided before or during water activities because they significantly increase the risk of drowning. Learning CPR and knowing how to respond during a water emergency can also help save lives.
Adaptive swim lessons
Children with special needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), have a higher risk of drowning than their peers. For some children, wandering (elopement) can increase the risk of accessing nearby bodies of water. Adaptive swim lessons can help children develop water safety skills and build confidence, but they don’t replace constant adult supervision.
Many communities offer adaptive swim instruction for children with disabilities. The Greater Lowell YMCA, for example, offers one-on-one adaptive swim lessons for children ages 5–15. Other YMCAs and adaptive recreation programs may also provide similar classes. Some families may be able to use disability-related funding or other available benefits to help cover the cost.
Parents and caregivers should speak with their child's care team, insurance provider or state disability support program to learn about available resources.
Learn how our developmental pediatrics team supports children with autism and other developmental differences.
Use barriers around pools
Limit access to backyard pools whenever possible. If children can reach your pool, they are at risk, even if they don't intend to swim that day. Install a four-sided safety fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate around backyard pools. Pool alarms and approved safety covers can provide additional protection but should never replace supervision.
Don’t leave water unattended
Empty kiddie pools when they are no longer in use. Even a few inches of water can pose a serious danger to babies and toddlers. Dump out small pools, buckets, tubs and other containers immediately after use.
Swim in designated areas with lifeguards
When visiting a beach or lake, stay within designated swimming areas whenever possible. These areas are typically monitored by lifeguards and are generally safer for swimmers. Be aware of rip currents, underwater hazards, changing water depth, vegetation, wildlife and other conditions that could increase your risk.
Check the weather and water conditions before you swim
Weather can change quickly, especially around lakes and oceans. Never swim during thunderstorms, and leave the water immediately if lightning is nearby. Strong winds, waves and changing currents can quickly make swimming or boating dangerous.
Wear a life jacket
Whether you're boating, kayaking, paddleboarding or enjoying other water sports, always wear a properly fitted life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Life jackets save lives and are one of the most effective ways to prevent drowning during water recreation.
Make water safety part of every outing
Whether you're spending the day at the neighborhood pool, relaxing at the beach or heading out on the lake, a few simple precautions can help prevent tragedy. Stay within arm's reach of young children, never swim alone, wear a life jacket when appropriate and remain alert around the water. These small steps can help everyone enjoy the water safely all summer long.
Frequently asked questions about water safety
What are the signs that someone is drowning?
Drowning is often silent and can happen in seconds. A person who is drowning may not be able to wave or call for help. Instead, they may appear unusually quiet, struggle to keep their mouth above water, slip beneath the surface or be found floating face down. If someone suddenly disappears underwater or stops responding, act immediately and call for help.
At what age should children learn to swim?
Children can begin learning basic water safety skills and swim skills at a young age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that many children are ready for swim lessons by age 1, depending on their physical and emotional development. Parents should talk with their child's pediatrician about when swim lessons are appropriate. Regardless of age or swimming ability, children should always be closely supervised around water.
If my child knows how to swim, do I still need to watch them?
Yes. Even strong swimmers can get tired, panic or experience an emergency in the water. Adults should actively supervise children whenever they are swimming and remain within arm's reach of young children. Lifeguards add an important layer of protection but they don’t replace parental supervision.
Are life jackets better than water wings or inflatable toys?
Yes. Inflatable arm bands, pool noodles and other flotation toys are not safety devices and should never be relied on to prevent drowning. Children and adults should wear a properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating, kayaking, paddleboarding and participating in other water activities where a life jacket is recommended.
What swimsuit colors are easiest to see underwater?
Bright, high-visibility colors such as neon orange, neon yellow and neon pink are generally the easiest to see in pools and open water. Colors like light blue, dark blue, gray, white and black can blend into the water or pool floor, making swimmers more difficult to spot.
Are adaptive swim lessons helpful for children with autism?
Yes. Adaptive swim lessons can help children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental or physical disabilities build water safety skills and confidence. Because children with ASD have a higher risk of drowning, adaptive swim instruction can be an important part of a family's overall water safety plan. However, swim lessons never replace constant adult supervision around water.
What should I do if someone is drowning?
Call 911 immediately and alert the lifeguard if one is present. Only enter the water if you can do so safely. If possible, throw the person a flotation device or reach them with a pole or other object. Once the person is out of the water, begin CPR if needed and continue until emergency responders arrive.
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