Water Safety

Drowning is the leading cause of death among young children nationally, as well as in Massachusetts. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says 4,000 people die every year due to accidental drownings. For Increased safety around water, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance advises:

  • Use barriers and alarms: surround pools with fencing on all four sides. Make sure gates are self-closing and self-latching. Pool safety covers and alarm systems can help prevent children and unauthorized adults from accessing water unsupervised.
  • Provide supervision: When children are near water, assign a designated water watcher and always provide continuous supervision, even when a lifeguard is on duty.
  • Never swim alone. Even strong swimmers and adults should swim with a buddy.
  • Develop water competency. Learn to swim and teach swimming lessons to children. If you can’t swim or are not a strong swimmer, stay in shallow areas.

Additional Water Safety Tips

  • Only swim in areas designated for swimming.
  • Learn to identify hazards like rip tides and avoid swimming in areas with strong moving currents, underwater debris, or water temperatures that could be dangerous.
  • Do not dive into water that is less than 12 feet deep.
  • Do not swim during thunderstorms or when there is lightning.
  • When boating, always use Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
  • Never use foam or inflatable toys such as “water rings,” “noodles,” or inner tubes to substitute for life jackets.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control

https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-department-of-public-health-offers-summer-safety-guidance

National Drowning Prevention Alliance

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