Drowning is a real danger for children, especially during the summer months when many families enjoy time at the pool or beach.

As a pediatrician, I’ve seen too many cases of near-drowning and drowning, which is why I want to share some essential tips to help you keep your kids safe from drowning.

1. Supervision is Key

One of the most important ways to keep your kids safe from drowning is by supervising them closely every time they are near water. It only takes a few seconds for a child to slip under the water and into trouble.

Always keep an eye on your kids and never underestimate the speed and unpredictability of water movements.

2. Teach Your Kids to Swim

Swimming is an essential skill for kids to learn, especially if you have a pool at home or enjoy taking them to the beach. Enroll your kids in swimming lessons as early as possible.

This will help foster their confidence in water and improve their safety around it. However, even strong swimmers need supervision, so don’t rely on swimming skills alone to keep your kids safe.

3. Invest in Proper Floatation Devices

Life vests, swim noodles, and other floatation devices can provide extra safety for young children in the water. Even if your child is a good swimmer, it’s a good idea to have them wear a floatation device while playing in the water.

Be cautious with inflatable toys and watch your child very closely. Never assume that something is safe just because it’s marketed for kids.

4. Secure Your Pool Area

If you have a pool at home, it’s essential that you take steps to prevent accidental drowning. Secure your pool area with a locked fence and make sure your kids cannot access it without your supervision.

Cover your pool whenever it’s not in use, and always have a phone nearby in case of an emergency.

5. Educate Your Kids on Water Safety

Talk to your kids about the importance of water safety and teach them to respect the water. They should know to never jump in without supervision, never run near the pool, and never play near drains or filters.

Educating your kids about water safety can help them avoid trouble and keep them safe.

6. Stay Within Arm’s Reach

Always stay within arm’s reach of your young children when they are in or near the water. Accidents can happen quickly, and you need to be close enough to react quickly if there is an emergency.

7. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Even with the best preventive measures, accidents can still happen. Make sure you know CPR and have a phone nearby in case of an emergency. You should also always keep a first-aid kit nearby and know how to use it.

8. Don’t Drink and Swim

Alcohol and water don’t mix. Drinking and swimming impair your judgment and coordination, making it much more likely for an accident to happen. Never drink alcohol while supervising your kids around water.

9. Respect Weather Conditions

Even mild weather can bring big waves, strong currents, and unexpected situations. Teach your kids to respect weather conditions, and never assume that just because the water looks calm, it is safe for swimming.

Be aware of the weather and adjust your water activities accordingly.

10. Start Early

The earlier you start educating your kids about water safety and teaching them how to swim, the better. Children are never too young to learn, and it’s essential to instill safety habits as young as possible.