Water Safety
Summer is here and families are heading to the lake to enjoy some sun and fresh air.
Did you know last year, 109 people drowned in the Great Lakes, with 56 of those drownings occurring in Lake Michigan? While pool safety is more frequently discussed, most drownings occur in lakes, rivers, ponds and other open water. Young children are three times more likely to drown in open water, and teens are eight times more likely to die in open water drownings.
Drowning is silent. There can be very little splashing, waving or screaming.
Drowning is quick. Once a child begins to struggle, you may have less than a minute to react.
Many children who drown reportedly knew how to swim. Swim lessons are essential, but skill levels vary.
Before you head out, make sure to review some safety tips with your family to help keep everyone safe.
- Constant Supervision. Watch kids when they are in or around water. Ensure that you are not distracted. Keep young children and inexperienced swimmers within arm’s reach of an adult. Make sure older children swim with a partner every time.
- Make sure kids learn these five water survival skills and can independently:
- Step or jump into the water over their head and return to the surface
- Turn around and orient to safety
- Float or tread water
- Combine breathing with forward movement in the water, and
- Exit the water
- Teach children that swimming in open water is different from swimming in a pool. Be aware of unique situations in open water, such as limited visibility, depth, uneven surfaces and currents. These potential hazards can make swimming in open water more challenging than swimming in a pool.
- Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when boating or participating in other recreational activities in or around water. Be sure to select a life jacket appropriate for age, weight and the water activity.
- Read more HERE from St. Joseph Mercy Health
Below are additional resources about keeping your children and family safe in the water this summer!
- Safe Kids – Keeping Kids Safe in the Open Water
- Pool Safety Infographic
- Safe Kids – More Swimming Safety Tips
