6 Water Safety Tips to Help Save a Life this Summer

Used for the 2011 ECC update of the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program, which trains lifeguards to act with speed and confidence in emergency situations both in and out of the water. Topics include: water rescue skills, surveillance and recognition, first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies, CPR, AED and more. The new program reflects the latest ECC science and findings from the 2011 United States Lifeguard Standards Coalition Report. Photo Credit: American Red Cross
© Stock photo taken for the American Red Cross.

May 26, 2021

As families converge on aquatic centers, pools, splash pads, waterparks and open bodies of water for recreational water activities this Memorial Day weekend, it is vital to ensure safety is a priority for all people. The National Water Safety Month campaign supporters offer six important tips and reminders for parents and caregivers about safer water practices.

Keep these six water safety tips in mind:

Provide Constant Adult Supervision — Actively supervise children and non-swimmers around the water, even when lifeguards are present. Don’t just drop kids off. Avoid distracting activities such as checking email or social media.
Learn to Swim — No matter your age, learning to swim is one of the best ways to be safer in and around the water.
Look for Lifeguards — Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
Swim with A Buddy — Do not allow anyone to swim alone. Even at a public pool or a lifeguarded beach, use the buddy system.
Wear A Life Jacket — Adults and kids should always wear a properly-fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while boating. Non-swimmers and inexperienced swimmers should also always wear a life jacket when in and around the water. Inflatable toys can be fun but are not a substitute for U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
Learn CPR — Learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies by learning CPR.

Download the Red Cross Swim app, sponsored by The ZAC Foundation, and take the free Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers online course which focuses on developing an awareness of the risks of drowning and how to minimize those risks, especially for young children.

About National Water Safety Month

National Water Safety Month is a joint effort of the American Red Cross, the National Recreation and Park Association, Pool & Hot Tub Alliance and the World Waterpark Association. This event is celebrated by these organizations, along with thousands of aquatics facilities and professionals, through educational programs, public service announcements, governmental proclamations, dealer and aquatics business promotions and the distribution of water-safety-themed materials, aimed primarily at the public and designed to help prevent drowning and water-related illness and injuries.

Detailed information and free resources in support of National Water Safety Month, for both consumers and businesses, can be found at nationalwatersafetymonth.org. Connect with National Water Safety Month on Twitter (@MayIsNWSM) and Facebook (@watersafetymonth). Red Cross water safety resources are also available.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.