Stay Cool and Safe: Essential Summer Water Safety Tips

Summer is the perfect season for swimming, boating, and relaxing by the water. Whether it’s a dip in the pool, a day at the lake, or a vacation by the beach, water activities are a staple of the season. But with all the fun, it’s important to stay mindful of safety. Every year, thousands of water-related injuries and drownings occur—many of which are preventable. Fortunately, by taking some simple precautions, you and your family can enjoy the water while staying safe.

In this week’s Wellness Wednesday, we’re highlighting the most important water safety tips to keep in mind this summer.

1. Never Swim Alone

The number one rule of water safety: always swim with a buddy. Whether you’re at a public pool or a private backyard one, having someone nearby can make all the difference in an emergency. Even strong swimmers can cramp, slip, or encounter sudden distress.

According to the American Red Cross, a companion can call for help or provide assistance if something goes wrong. Children should always be supervised by an adult—preferably one who knows CPR.

2. Keep a Close Eye on Kids

Children are naturally curious and love to play near water, but they’re also the most vulnerable. Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1 to 4, and it often happens silently and quickly—within 30 seconds.

To keep kids safe:

Stay within arm’s reach of young children—this is called “touch supervision.”
Assign a “water watcher”—a responsible adult who focuses on supervising swimmers without distraction. This person should rotate out every 30 minutes to avoid fatigue.
Use life jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard for kids who are not strong swimmers. Water wings and pool noodles aren’t safety devices.

3. Understand Your Surroundings

Before jumping into any body of water, know what you’re getting into:

Check the depth. Don’t dive into shallow water—it could lead to serious spinal injuries.
Be aware of currents. Lakes, rivers, and oceans may have strong currents or undertows that aren’t visible at the surface.
Read signs. Look for posted warnings, beach flags, or pool rules. Lifeguards often mark safe swimming zones and hazard areas.

If you’re at the beach, make sure you understand the beach flag warning system, which indicates surf conditions and hazards.

4. Learn to Swim—and Teach Your Kids

Swimming isn’t just a recreational skill—it’s a lifesaving one. According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning in children by up to 88%.

It’s never too late to learn. Local community centers, YMCAs, and swim schools often offer group or private lessons for all ages. If your children are going to be around water frequently, signing them up for lessons is one of the best things you can do.

5. Know the Signs of Drowning

Unlike how it’s portrayed in movies, drowning is often silent and fast. A person may not be able to shout or wave for help. Signs to look for include:

Head low in the water, mouth at water level
Glassy or unfocused eyes
Hyperventilating or gasping
Trying to roll onto their back
Appearing to be climbing an invisible ladder

If you see someone in trouble, alert a lifeguard immediately or call 911. If you’re trained in water rescue or CPR, act quickly but carefully.

6. Wear a Life Jacket While Boating

If you’re boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or riding a jet ski, life jackets are essential—even for adults who know how to swim. Accidents can happen quickly, and cold shock or injury can prevent even strong swimmers from staying afloat.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, 85% of boating-related drownings involve people who were not wearing a life jacket. Make sure everyone on board wears one that fits snugly and is Coast Guard-approved.

7. Stay Hydrated and Use Sun Protection

Being around water makes it easy to forget that the sun and heat are still affecting your body. Dehydration and sunburn can sneak up on you quickly. Be sure to:

Drink plenty of water throughout the day (not just soda or sports drinks)
Reapply waterproof sunscreen every 2 hours, or after swimming
Wear UV-protective clothing, sunglasses, and hats
Take breaks in the shade

Sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer, and dehydration can impair your judgment—neither of which is safe when you’re near the water.

8. Avoid Alcohol Near Water

Alcohol impairs your coordination, judgment, and reaction time—all of which are critical for water safety. This is especially important if you’re:

Supervising children
Operating a boat or watercraft
Swimming in open water

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol is a factor in up to 70% of deaths associated with water recreation. Save the drinks for after the water fun.

9. Know Basic CPR and First Aid

In an emergency, every second counts. Knowing CPR and basic first aid can save lives before paramedics arrive. Many organizations offer training, including:

Even if you’re not certified, taking an online course or watching a CPR video can prepare you for action.

10. Be Cautious with Inflatables

Inflatable rafts, tubes, and giant pool floats are fun, but they’re not designed for safety. Wind can push them into deeper water, and they can flip over easily. Kids especially should never rely on inflatables to stay afloat—always use a proper life jacket.

If you’re using inflatables:

Keep them tethered if in open water
Supervise kids closely
Don’t fall asleep on them (yes, it happens!)

Final Thoughts

Water is a big part of summer fun—but safety should always come first. With the right precautions, education, and a bit of awareness, you can enjoy splashing around without putting yourself or others at risk.

Remember, most water accidents are preventable. From teaching your kids to swim to wearing a life jacket to keeping your eyes on the pool, your actions can make all the difference.

So go ahead—have fun, cool off, and make memories this summer. Just do it safely.