How to stay safe in and around the water this summer

Swimming is one of the most popular summertime activities and a fun way for kids to cool off in hot months. Whether your family is spending a day at the beach, an afternoon at the pool or taking a boat out on a lake, remember these tips from Cincinnati Children’s Comprehensive Children’s Injury Center to keep your kids safe in, on or around any body of water:

Actively supervise children in and around water, giving them your undivided attention. Even children who are strong swimmers should always be supervised. Other children or someone with less confidence in the water could pull down a strong swimmer.

To prevent lapses in supervision, designate an adult as the Water Watcher for 15 minutes at a time when several adults are present and children are swimming.

Enroll children in swim lessons, taking into consideration their age, development and how often they’re around water.

Use a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket, appropriate for a child’s age, weight and the water activity. Inflatable water wings, noodles or other “floatie” toys are not approved floatation devices.

Dress children in brightly colored swimwear so they can be visible underwater.

Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool. They need to be aware of depth, limited visibility, uneven surfaces, currents and undertow.

Learn CPR and basic rescue skills to be prepared to prevent a drowning.

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