Summer’s almost here! Bring on the sunshine, splashy pool days, and lazy afternoons on the lake! Whether you’re cannonballing into the deep end or cruising on a boat with your crew, water fun is one of the best parts of the season. But here’s the thing: while you’re making memories in the sun, keeping safety top of mind is essential. Drowning is still one of the leading causes of accidental death, especially for kids. Knowing the biggest water hazards can help you stay ahead of the risks and ensure your summer is all about fun, not fear.

May is National Water Safety Month, an annual initiative that raises awareness about water safety and drowning prevention. The month includes events like Water Safety Day on May 10. It’s the perfect time to learn about the top drowning hazards to watch out for this summer and how to avoid them.

1. Unsupervised Access to Pools

Backyard pools may feel like safe spaces, but they’re a leading location for child drownings. Children one to four are more likely to drown in a home swimming pool than anywhere else. Most of these incidents happen when a child slips away unnoticed.

Prevention Tips:

• Install four-sided fencing with self-latching gates.
• Use pool alarms and safety covers.
• Always assign a “Water Watcher”— a responsible adult who always keeps a close eye on the water.

2. Open Water Risks (Lakes, Rivers, Oceans)

Natural bodies of water often lack lifeguards and have unpredictable conditions. Strong currents, sudden drop-offs, and hidden debris all pose risks.

Prevention Tips:

• Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating or swimming in open water.
• Avoid swimming alone or in unfamiliar places.
• Be aware of the weather and water conditions before heading out.

3. Lack of Swimming Skills

According to the American Red Cross, more than half of Americans cannot swim or lack basic swimming skills. Knowing how to float, tread water, and swim to safety is essential, even for adults.

Prevention Tips:

• Enroll children and adults in swim lessons early.
• Encourage ongoing swim education and water safety training to promote a lifelong commitment to water safety.
• Choose programs that teach water competency, not just swimming strokes.

4. Distractions Around Water

Even a few seconds of distraction can lead to disaster. Cell phones, conversations, and multitasking can distract attention from the water. Children can drown silently in as little as 30 seconds, so it’s essential to keep a constant eye on them at all times.

Prevention Tips:

• Avoid using your phone while supervising swimmers.
• Take turns being a dedicated Water Watcher during pool parties.
• Stay within an arm’s reach of young children or inexperienced swimmers.

5. Drinking Alcohol Around Water

Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction time — three things you need to stay safe in and around water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s also a leading factor in up to 70% of adult boating deaths.

Prevention Tips:

• Stay sober when swimming or supervising others in the water.
• Choose a sober skipper when boating.
• Keep hydration stations stocked with water and non-alcoholic beverages, ensuring they are readily available.

6. Overestimating Endurance

Many people jump into deep or open water, thinking they can swim longer than they actually can. Fatigue sets in fast, especially in cold or choppy water.

Prevention Tips:

• Know your limits and avoid pushing past them.
• Swim parallel to shore instead of out to sea.
• Teach children and teenagers to take breaks and swim near a lifeguard whenever possible.

7. Lack of CPR Knowledge

Knowing CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, can make the difference between life and death. If a drowning does occur, a fast response — especially CPR — can dramatically increase survival chances.

Prevention Tips:

• Take a certified CPR class, ideally including child and infant CPR.
• Post emergency numbers and CPR instructions near home pools.
• Keep a phone nearby when supervising swimmers to ensure quick access to emergency assistance.

Help Us Prevent Drowning

Staying water-smart this summer doesn’t mean giving up fun — it means making sure the fun lasts all season long. Understanding and addressing these drowning hazards will help protect your family and others in your community.Together, we can end the heartache of losing a loved one due to drowning. Take our Water Safety Challenge to measure your family’s or community’s water safety competence, and help us provide water safety outreach to schools and community groups to keep everyone safe.