“Being water smart means being safer in, on and around water, learning how to swim and knowing what to do in a water emergency.”
Water Safety Month: Prepare for the Summer Swim Season Now
National Water Safety Month is an annual awareness campaign celebrated each May to provide water safety education for children and adults ahead of the peak summer swim season. A national coalition of water safety partners – the American Red Cross, the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, the National Recreation and Park Association, the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance, and the World Waterpark Association – shares important safety information and resources throughout the month and works closely with state and local governments to encourage nationwide support.
“The American Red Cross and the other National Water Safety Month Coalition members encourage everyone to be water smart to help prevent drowning,” said William D. Ramos, MS, PhD, member of the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and chair of its Aquatics Sub-Council. “Being water smart means being safer in, on and around water, learning how to swim and knowing what to do in a water emergency.”
First recognized in 2003, National Water Safety Month has continued to expand and is now celebrated
by thousands of aquatics facilities, businesses, and professionals around the country. The Coalition provides water safety activities and resources such as:
Longfellow’s WHALE Tales Water Safety for Children
The American Red Cross offers a complimentary curriculum in English and Spanish complete with interactive videos, posters, and lesson plans that will inspire students while learning to recognize risks and understand water safety.
The NDPA offers a free and downloadable water safety season toolkit complete with social media posts, video PSA's, shareable blogs, press release templates, printable documents, and many more resources to support parents, caregivers, and aquatic professionals to help advocate for water safety and drowning prevention during May and throughout the summer season.
International Water Safety Day
International Water Safety Day (May 15, 2025) is designed to help spread global awareness about drowning prevention and educate youth about becoming safer in and around water. May 15th is a day to share drowning awareness and water safety education by any means possible.
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (June 26, 2025) is a global event that includes tens of thousands of participants across six continents working to raise awareness about the fundamental importance of teaching children to swim. Aquatic facilities are encouraged to register as Host Locations during the month of May.
The Coalition works to secure gubernatorial proclamations to draw attention to this issue at the state level. Annually, 45-50 governors proclaim May as National Water Safety Month to support this
important work.
Anyone can join the movement to reinforce the importance of water safety and become an advocate in the community. For example, the Safe Swimmer Pledge encourages children to practice safe swimming behaviors such as never swimming alone and obeying pool rules.
The Coalition will share safety tips and resources across its social media channels throughout the month. Follow along on Facebook and join the #watersafetymonth #NWSM2025 conversations on Instagram.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Parents, educators and caregivers can find detailed information and free resources in support of National Water Safety Month at NationalWaterSafetyMonth.org. A variety of water safety materials are also available at redcross.org/watersafety.
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.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
Take a class and be ready to respond if an emergency strikes.
