As a camp counselor or youth worker, you have an incredible opportunity to help kids grow, explore, and enjoy the summer, especially around the water. However, if you’re a camp counselor or youth worker near a lake, river, water park, or pool, you also have a great responsibility: keeping kids safe from drowning.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages one to four, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5–14. Fortunately, with the proper knowledge and preparation, you can significantly reduce the risk of drowning and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Keep reading for some essential drowning prevention tips.

Know the Statistics, and Take Them Seriously

Drowning is often silent, swift, and tragically common, especially among children. Every year, thousands of lives are lost to preventable water-related accidents, making drowning one of the leading causes of unintentional injury death. Understanding the numbers isn’t just about data; it’s about recognizing the urgency and taking action. The statistics, according to the CDC, tell a powerful story. 

• Annual Fatalities: Between 2020 and 2022, over 4,500 people died from drowning each year in the U.S., marking an increase of about 500 deaths per year compared to 2019.
• Nonfatal Incidents: Approximately 8,000 nonfatal drownings occur annually, often resulting in long-term health consequences.

• Highest Risk Age Group: Children one to four consistently have the highest drowning rates. In 2022, the rate was 3.1 deaths per 100,000 children in this age group, a 28% increase from 2019.
• Gender Differences: Males are at a higher risk, accounting for nearly 80% of drowning deaths.

• American Indian or Alaska Native (AI/AN) Populations: These groups have the highest drowning rates of other races and ethnic groups. 
• Black Populations: Black individuals have the second-highest drowning rates. In 2021, the drowning rate for Black people increased by 28% compared to 2019.

Always Maintain Active Supervision

“Designated water watchers” can save lives. Rotate this responsibility to stay alert. Even if there’s a certified lifeguard on duty, counselors and youth staff should:

• Remain within arm’s reach of younger or weaker swimmers (“touch supervision”).
• Scan the entire area continuously. Drowning is often silent and quick — kids won’t always splash or call for help.
• Avoid distractions by putting away your phone and staying entirely focused during swim times.

Use the Buddy System

Encourage a buddy system where campers pair up and take turns keeping track of each other. Enhancing safety protocols and encouraging collaboration strengthen both protection and team cohesion.

Make it part of your routine to have:

• Buddy checks at regular intervals.
• A check-in/check-out system for entering or leaving the water area.

Ensure Swimming Ability Is Assessed

Before water activities, assess each child’s swimming level. By clearly marking boundaries, weaker swimmers are less likely to enter deep or risky areas.

The Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program offers structured guidance on swim skills. Campers or program participants who don’t meet basic requirements should:

• Stay in shallow areas.
• Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.

Have Emergency Plans and Drills in Place

Preparation saves lives. Every staff member should be aware of their responsibilities in the event of an emergency. Your camp or program should have:

• An Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for drowning incidents.
• Regularly practiced water rescue drills.
• A clear plan for calling 911 and communicating with medical professionals.

Know CPR and First Aid

If someone does go underwater, seconds matter. Every second counts. All youth workers and counselors supervising water activities should be:

• CPR-certified, including child and infant CPR.
• Trained in basic first aid and AED use.

Watch for Non-Traditional Water Hazards

When water is involved, supervision should never be relaxed — no matter how “safe” it seems. Even shallow streams, inflatable pools, or dunk tanks can pose a risk. Be cautious around:

• Standing water after rain
• Unfenced water features
• Water play areas without supervision

Set Clear, Age-Appropriate Rules

Children and teens thrive with boundaries. Make it fun by having the kids help create water safety posters. Post and review pool or waterfront rules daily, such as:

• No running near water.
• No pushing or dunking.
• No swimming without an adult present.
• Always wear a life jacket in open water.

Lead by Example

As a counselor, you serve as a role model. When kids see you prioritize safety, they’re more likely to do the same. Show kids what safe behavior looks like:

• Wear your life jacket when appropriate.
• Use sun protection.
• Follow the same rules you ask them to follow.

Encourage a Culture of Safety

Drowning prevention is a team effort, and everyone plays a role. Promote a culture where:

• Campers speak up if they feel unsafe.
• Staff praise cautious behavior.
• Everyone knows that safety is more important than showing off or being brave.

Help Us Prevent Drowning

Keeping kids safe in and around water isn’t just part of your job — it’s one of the most meaningful things you do. When you’re proactive, prepared, and attentive, you make an incredible impact. Let’s work together to make this summer memorable for the right reasons: friendships, fun, and safety. 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.