When summer heats up, pools, lakes and splash pads offer families the perfect way to cool down. But they can also pose a serious risk.
“Drowning is actually the number one cause of death for kids ages one to four,” says Kristen Sandoz, MD, pediatrician with Our Lady of Lourdes Children’s Health. “That’s huge. And it’s why water safety has to be a top priority, especially with little ones who are just starting to crawl or walk.”
In this episode of ParentingU, Dr. Sandoz shares practical tips and clears up common myths to help you keep your family safe around water.
Be a Designated Water Watcher
The first rule of water safety? Know who’s watching the kids.
“In big groups, everyone thinks someone else is watching. But in reality, sometimes no one is,” Dr. Sandoz explains. “That’s why we recommend choosing a specific adult to be the ‘water watcher.’”
To make it official, consider using a tag. In partnership with Crawfish Aquatics, we have created a handy tag for adults to wear when they are designated as the Water Watcher.
“It gives you a little extra sense of responsibility,” Dr. Sandoz says. “And in group settings, rotating shifts every 30 minutes can help keep everyone fresh and focused.”
Drowning Is Silent and Fast
Drowning doesn’t look like it does in the movies. “It’s usually very quiet,” Dr. Sandoz says. “You might not hear a splash. You might not see much movement.”
Signs of trouble include coughing, gagging, trouble breathing or, in more serious cases, unconsciousness. That’s why quick response is critical, and being CPR certified can save a life.
“CPR is one of the most important things you can learn as a parent,” Dr. Sandoz says. “It’s another layer of protection that can really make a difference.”
Not Just Little Kids. Talk to Teens, Too
Teens may be strong swimmers, but they’re not immune to water dangers. “Adolescents are actually at higher risk of drowning in the open water environment,” Dr. Sandoz says.
They may underestimate how strong a current is or overestimate their ability to swim in open water. Always remind them to swim with a buddy and never mix swimming with alcohol or other substances.
Even older kids should wear life jackets when boating or kayaking. Set expectations clearly and model safe behaviors.
Myth Busting: What About ‘Dry Drowning’?
Every summer, headlines about “dry drowning” or “secondary drowning” make the rounds, but Dr. Sandoz wants parents to know the truth.
“It’s not real. That’s a myth,” she says. “If a child has truly experienced a drowning event, you’ll know right away. It doesn’t happen days later. At most, a child might develop aspiration pneumonia, but that’s extremely rare, and it looks like any other pneumonia with fever and trouble breathing.”
Start Swimming Lessons Early
When should kids start learning to swim? Dr. Sandoz recommends two options.
Infant swimming resource (ISR) can begin around 6 months, helping babies learn to float if they fall into the water. And general swim lessons can start around age 1 when they’re more mobile and developmentally ready.
“It’s important to keep doing lessons each year until you know they’re a strong swimmer,” Dr. Sandoz says.
Use Layers of Protection
Even for kids who can swim, multiple safety measures, what Dr. Sandoz calls “layers of protection,” are key:
- Physical barriers. Every home pool should have a fence on all four sides with a self-latching gate. Pool covers and alarms can add another layer.
- Alarms on doors. Especially helpful for toddlers who may wander outside unexpectedly.
- Touch supervision. If a child can’t swim, an adult needs to be within arm’s reach — always.
- Proper flotation devices. Life jackets are typically the safest kind. Dr. Sandoz recommends U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets, designed to be safe and allow for movement in the water.
“They actually do make a safe puddle jumper for children,” Dr. Sandoz says. Just check the label to be sure it’s Coast Guard approved. Flotation devices are not substitutes for supervision.
“These layers work together,” she says. “It’s not just about watching. It’s about creating a safe environment from every angle.”
Choose Bright Swimsuits
Dr. Sandoz also mentions the importance of choosing the right swimsuit color. Bright, contrasting colors like neon orange, yellow or green are much easier to see under water, especially in open water or busy pools, compared to blues, blacks or dark purples that can blend in.
Stay Alert in Open Water
Natural bodies of water like lakes, rivers and beaches bring extra risks. Unlike pools, you can’t always see the bottom, and conditions like current, depth and water clarity can change quickly.
“It’s always important to go into the open water feet first,” Dr. Sandoz says. “Diving is very, very dangerous. Not only can that cause drowning, but it can also cause spinal cord injuries.”
Even strong swimmers should take precautions in open water, including wearing life jackets when boating or kayaking.
Hidden Dangers: Don’t Let Your Guard Down
It’s not just swimming pools that pose a risk. Young children can drown in just a few inches of water, and that includes bathtubs, toilets and buckets.
“Something I personally experienced at a crawfish boil was an ice chest full of ice that had melted, and a little 2-year-old was trying to grab a juice box, and he went in headfirst and his feet were in the air,” Dr Sandoz says. Thankfully there were adults paying attention and able to pull him out. “Could you imagine what would have happened if nobody was around? He could have drowned in an ice chest.”
Never leave children unattended near water, even for a moment.
A Relationship with Your Pediatrician Can Help
Water safety is just one part of keeping your child healthy and safe through every stage of development. A relationship with your pediatrician can help you navigate milestones, get expert advice, find the right time for swim lessons and more.
