Parents, Take These Steps to Ensure Water Safety

No one wants this to happen– but imagine it’s a sunny summer afternoon, and your children are laughing and splashing in the pool. You glance away for just a moment to answer a text, but when you look back, your heart stops—one of your little ones is struggling beneath the water. In the span of just seconds, a joyful scene can turn into every parent’s worst nightmare.

The Reality: It’s a common misconception that drowning is a loud, splashy event, like on TV.

Drowning is often quick and silent. Children can slip underwater in just a few seconds, without a sound. That is the unfortunate reality.

Here are some tips that I recommend for having a safe and healthy summer around water.

The Importance of assigning a water watcher at every event around water.
I cannot stress enough the importance of constant, vigilant supervision when your children are near water. Whether it’s a pool, lake, or even a bathtub, water poses a silent but significant danger to young children. This is where the concept of a “Water Watcher” comes into play.

A Water Watcher is an adult assigned to keep their eyes on the water without distraction. This means no phones, no conversations, and no distractions—just focused attention on the children. Designate a parent at occasions that have water, please make sure one parent is a water watcher. Maybe have a badge that can be rotated every 20 minutes (parents need breaks too!)

Certified Swim Equipment vs. Puddle Jumpers: Please opt for certified swim equipment that has been tested and approved for safety. These include life jackets and flotation devices that meet stringent safety standards. Avoid puddle jumpers and other flotation aids that can give a false sense of security. These devices can easily tip over or slip off, leaving a child vulnerable. Certified swim equipment is designed to keep children afloat and in a safe position.

Enroll in Swim Lessons: Swim lessons can start as young as 6 months of age and can teach even young infants to roll over or turn around and touch the wall. These are key concepts and life saving maneuvers that can make a huge difference in a near drowning event. But just because your child knows how to swim does not mean to leave them alone near water.

Learn CPR: EVERYONE should learn CPR- many places offer training.

Educate Your Children : Talk about water safety often and at every single event. Start with a phrase like- what is the number ONE rule for the pool- never go into the water without an adult present and watching.

Let’s make this summer a safe and happy one for everyone. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and keep those little swimmers safe!

As always speak with your physician or medical provider for more information.

Sara Siddiqui MD FAAP
Pediatric And Adolescent Medicine
NYU Langone Huntington Medical Group
Assistant Clinical Professor
Hassenfeld Children's Hospital