Good Swimmers Drown Too – Here’s What You Can Do To Prevent A Tragedy
Drowning can happen to anyone at any time. Period.
As Fourth of July celebrations approach and many prepare to visit pools, lakes, and rivers, I want to share an important reminder. It doesn’t matter if you are the strongest swimmer on the swim team or have years of experience swimming recreationally, following water safety rules is the only way to be safe in and around the water.
I’ve spent more than two decades leading the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas’s aquatics program, and have spoken with countless families and adults about what drowning looks like, and oftentimes, they’re shocked to learn that it’s completely silent. There’s no hollering, splashing, or arm waving – not like in the movies or on TV – it takes seconds for someone to slip under the surface.
It’s devastating when we hear anyone become a victim of drowning, especially young children, yet, it happens every year. This year alone, 44 Texas children have drowned, two occurred in Dallas County. The CDC says that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4. The heartbreaking truth is – it’s preventable.
At the Y, we know that formal swimming lessons are key, but there are other critical steps that you can take to help reduce accidental drowning. Here are five water safety rules every adult and family should know:
Wear a Coast-Guard Approved Life Jacket
This is important. Look on the back of the vest/jacket for “U.S. Coast Guard Approval” and check for the proper size and weight. When wearing it, it should feel snug. There should be no rips, tears, or water damage. If you find any, replace it immediately. Children should always wear life jackets, even if they are confident swimmers.
Beware of Murky Waters, Don’t Underestimate The Conditions in Lakes, Rivers, or Oceans
My teen children may be good swimmers, but I still have them wear lifejackets when we visit open bodies of water. What often makes water rescues difficult is the current and visibility, especially in murky environments. Pay attention to the weather and make sure someone knows where you are at all times.
Supervise Children At All Times, Wear a Water Watcher Tag
If you’re around children, keep your eyes on them and within arm’s length. Oftentimes, adults assume someone else is supervising the children, but in reality, it only takes a few seconds of being distracted for something to go wrong. Instead, designate an adult to wear the “Water Watcher” tag whose only job is to supervise. This role can be rotated.
Create a Safer Pool Environment, Apply Fencing Barriers, and Remove Pool Toys From Sight
For home pools, create barriers like fencing, gate alarms, or safety pool covers that are tightly fastened to decrease the chance of a child accidentally falling in. Removing pool toys such as arm floaties and pool noodles can help keep children away from entering the space.
Teach Children To Ask Permission Before Entering a Body of Water
By instilling this habit, they are less likely to go into a body of water unsupervised, and it reinforces the importance of always having an adult with them.
Our goal at the YMCA of Metropolitan is to eliminate childhood drowning. We practice this by offering free swim assessments and lessons for children. The Y never turns away anyone from getting a swim lesson, regardless of their inability to pay.
To learn more about adult or child swim classes at a Y branch near you, visit YMCADallas.org.
Written by:
Jennifer Pewitt
Associate Vice President of Aquatics