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Summer is here and the living is easy!  In fact, the entire country is experiencing hot temperatures and families in the upper Midwest are under high heat advisories.  Sounds like it is going to be a busy week at the local swimming hole. 

 For most kids, summer vacation means water and swimming – whether it be a backyard pool, a public pool, the lake, the ocean, or a river, kids love water. 

But do they know how to be safe around water?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, every day, about 10 people die from drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning is the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury death for people of all ages, and the second leading cause of death for children ages one to 14 years.   Of significant note is that 80 percent of drowning victims are males.  Further, there is a higher percentage of African American and Native Americans that drown every year compared to the number of whites.

I have been a certified American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor for 15 years and would like to pass along a few pieces of wisdom I have learned.  Most of it is common sense that you could probably figure out for yourself. But why not take advantage of someone else’s knowledge base? It may just save a life!

All children, regardless of age should be supervised in and around the water.  Drowning can occur in any depth of water, including as little as two inches.  Children are naturally curious about water and often have little or no fear of it thus putting them at risk.

Always swim with a buddy.  I live on an inland lake and frequently like to go for a quick swim in the water to cool off.  I always make sure that I have someone in the family watch me in case something unpredictable happens.  Better safe than sorry.

Learn how to swim.  Your community’s local park and recreation department, the local YMCA, and many other community organizations offer swimming lessons year-round.  Be sure to look for a program that includes water safety tips.

Life jackets are a good thing.  If you are unsure of the swimming ability of your child or yourself, put on a life jacket/vest.  These devices are the simplest, safest way to ensure that everyone from the poorest swimmer to the most experienced can enjoy the water with fewer worries.  In most states, there is a law that requires children 12 and under to wear a life jacket at all times when on a boat, whether it be a canoe, paddle boat, speed boat, or pontoon.  Don’t just pack it, wear your jacket!

Do not rely on water wings or other blow-up water toys to keep your children safe.  Water wings are some of the worst devices to put on your child.  The wings do not allow the swimmer to move their arms freely and in a way to help them motor through the water.  Further, if the child does get in trouble, the wings will not support a child’s upper body and head.  In addition, blow-up tubes and other swim toys are designed to be toys not swim aids and should be used strictly as intended.

Never, EVER, go into the water to aid a person in trouble.  This is something I teach in all of my swim lessons.  The point here being that if you enter the water to help someone who is drowning, that person is very likely going to pull you under to get them to safety.  Now, instead of one victim, you have two.  Everyone needs to learn to reach out or throw something to the victim to assist in their rescue.  Keeping noodles, a life-ring on a rope, and a shepherd’s hook near your swimming area are great ways to reach or throw, but don’t go!

Ask for help.  Children need to be taught to yell for a lifeguard if one is present, get an adult, and be able to dial 9-1-1 to call for emergency help.  Be sure to place the address of your location at the phone to better assist emergency personnel in finding you.

Swimming is such a great activity and lifelong sport.  The best way to enjoy it is also the safest way.  I encourage you to explore the options available in your community to teach your entire family how to swim.  Have a happy and safe summer!

Margaret Andersen is the mother of three teenagers and is a middle school teacher somewhere in the Midwest.  She is a regular ShareWIK.com columnist. For more Margaret Anderson articles, click here.  

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