There’s nothing like a day at the pool, beach, or lake to make summer memories. But while swimming is one of the season’s greatest pleasures, water safety should always come first. The good news? A few simple habits can make a big difference.

Secure the Pool

If you have a backyard pool, install a four-sided fence with a high self-closing, self-latching gate. The fence should completely separate the pool from the house and yard, helping prevent young children from wandering into the water unnoticed. Keep the gate closed and latched at all times, and remove toys from the pool area when swimming is over so children aren't tempted to climb in.

Stay Close & Pay Attention

Never assume someone else is watching your child. Young children should always be within arm's reach of an adult when they're in or near the water. And even if you're right next to them, keep your complete attention on them. Being next to them while talking to someone else does nothing. Even strong swimmers need supervision.

Choose Swim Lessons

Swimming lessons help children become more confident and comfortable in the water. While lessons don't replace supervision, they do teach valuable skills that can improve safety. Things like being comfortable putting their head under, or even getting to the side of the pool or flipping to their backs and breathing until someone helps them are lessons that can really help.

Life Jackets Save Lives

If you're at a lake, river, or on a boat, have each child wear a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Inflatable arm bands and pool toys are fun, but they're not safety devices. Even if you're in a pool, children who don't know how to swim should always be in a properly-fitted life jacket.

Make Pool Rules Clear

Before anyone jumps in, review a few simple rules:

-Walk, don't run, around the pool.

-No pushing or roughhousing.

-Never swim alone.

-Always ask an adult before getting into the water.

Children are much more likely to follow rules they've heard consistently.

Put Phones Away

When it's your turn to supervise, make it your only job. A quick glance at a text or social media can be enough time for a child to get into trouble.

Designate a Water Watcher

At family gatherings or pool parties, it's easy to assume someone else is watching the kids. Instead, assign one adult to be the "Water Watcher" for 15-20 minutes at a time before switching. That person should focus only on the swimmers. Give them a necklace to wear so they stay focused and take the job even more seriously.

Respect Open Water

Lakes, rivers, and oceans can have currents, waves, changing depths, and slippery surfaces. Swim only in designated safe areas, follow posted signs, and choose locations with lifeguards whenever possible.

Learn CPR

Knowing CPR can make a lifesaving difference in an emergency. It's a skill every parent, grandparent, babysitter, and camp counselor should consider learning.

Choose Colors Wisely

Not all bathing suit colors are visible beneath the water. Choose colors that are most visible in the color water you will be swimming in.

Remember: Drowning Is Silent

Unlike what we often see in movies, drowning usually doesn't involve yelling or splashing. That's why active supervision, not just being nearby, is so important.

Swimming should be fun, relaxing, and full of happy memories. By staying attentive, teaching good water habits, and making safety part of every swim, you can help ensure everyone enjoys the water with confidence all summer long.