Summer Water Safety Tips by guest blogger, Malia Borg
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under four years in the United States. Every summer, as families go to the pool, lake, or beach, there are many factors that raise this risk, such as lack of supervision, not wearing life jackets, or not having swimming skills. However, there are simple and effective ways to improve safety for you and your family in and around the water.
One of the best ways to protect yourself or your child is to use proper flotation devices. However, not all flotation devices are created equal. It is important for whatever device you choose to use to be certified by the United States Coast Guard and appropriate for the age level and water comfort level of your child3. In some age groups, more assistance is needed to help the child keep their head above water, while more experienced swimmers need to maintain their strong body position to use their stronger swim skills. Below is a link to the recommendations from the USCG on proper flotation device choice. Additionally, in Chicago, here are some resources on where to get low-cost flotation devices for you and your family for the summer.
Above are some of the most common types of lifejackets. Despite their similar shape and fluorescent color, they each have a different environment to be used in4.
Besides the type of flotation that you or your child uses, it's also important to ensure proper fit. If a device is too tight, it can cause the swimmer to be uncomfortable in the water. If a device is too loose, it may not provide the proper support for your swimmer and may not protect them adequately while enjoying the water. The use of an ineffective flotation device can have the opposite effect on reducing the risk of drowning5. Often, we see these devices provide a false sense of security for parents and children alike, so it is always important to remain vigilant in and around the water5.
Outside of using your flotation device, it is extremely important to note that this is not a replacement for one of the most effective forms of water safety: parent or guardian monitoring of your child in the water. One specific recommendation is to designate a trusted adult in your group as the “water watcher” to monitor anyone in or around the water. This also prompts conversations between you and your family about water safety before going to the pool or lake itself. The United States Lifesaving Association has 10 safety tips to help ensure a safe and fun beach day for you and your family, shown below6.
Maximize your fun this summer by practicing water safety and following these few recommendations!
1. Use a Coast Guard-certified life jacket
2. Assign a Water Watcher Before Going to the Beach
3. Swim Near a Lifeguard
Sources:
1. CDC. Drowning Data. Drowning Prevention. November 12, 2024. Accessed October 7, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/data-research/index.html
2. CDC. Risk Factors for Drowning. Drowning Prevention. January 27, 2026. Accessed March 6, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/risk-factors/index.html
3. Life Jacket Wear / Wearing your Life Jacket. Accessed March 6, 2026. https://uscgboating.org/recreational-boaters/life-jacket-wear-wearing-your-life-jacket.php
4. Types of Life Jackets. BoatUS Foundation. Accessed March 11, 2026. https://www.boatus.org/life-jackets/types
5. CDC. Preventing Drowning. Drowning Prevention. September 29, 2025. Accessed March 6, 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/prevention/index.html
6. USLA. United States Lifeguard Association. Accessed October 7, 2025. http://www.usla.org
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