Summer vacation means spending a lot of time around the water. Families create many happy memories at a lake house, a favorite beach, an exciting weekend at a water park, or a backyard pool. Many people think an accident in the water won't happen to their family, but safety must always be a priority. According to the CDC, more than 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning in the United States every year — and it remains the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.

Drowning is something most families believe will never happen to them. But drowning accidents can happen to attentive parents who are actively watching their kids. If your vacation will involve significant time around water, learning the precautions to take can save a life.

Safety Precautions To Take Before Your Vacation

Water competency is essential for kids. Research published in JAMA Pediatrics found that formal swim lessons were associated with up to an 88% reduction in drowning risk for children ages 1–4 — though experts note this figure specifically applies to that age group, and supervision remains critical regardless of swimming ability. Experts now recommend enrolling children in swimming lessons starting around age 1, when many children begin walking and gaining access to water. Swimming lessons should be viewed as ongoing throughout childhood, not a one-time event. Even children who have had lessons benefit from refresher courses before vacations in new aquatic environments.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends formal swim lessons beginning around age 1 for many children. For babies under 12 months, there is currently no evidence that infant swimming programs reduce drowning risk — though parent-and-baby water play classes can help young children become comfortable in the water and are a fun activity for families to enjoy together.

Water safety should begin at home. Parents should talk to their kids about how much fun it can be to be in the water — and also be direct that water can be dangerous. Children should understand the rules posted at beaches, pools, and water parks, and that they must listen to adults and lifeguards at all times. It's also a good idea for parents to know how to administer first aid and CPR. Enrolling in a class before your vacation teaches what you need to know before an emergency happens — parents are often the first line of defense before a response team arrives.

An actual drowning doesn't look like what movies and television portray. Most people in trouble are not struggling visibly or shouting for help. Drowning is often silent and can happen in a matter of seconds. A person in trouble may appear to be swimming or treading water without making progress. Watch for these signs: hair over the forehead or face, glassy or closed eyes, a head tilted back with mouth open, or a head sitting very low in the water.

Water Safety At Your Vacation Destination

When vacationing in an unfamiliar environment, take the necessary precautions before you head out. Research whether lifeguards will be on duty at your beach or pool and what their hours are. If you're staying at a hotel, find out whether there is a four-sided fence fully enclosing the pool — separated from the house or building — with a self-closing, self-latching gate. If you're at a vacation rental, confirm there are locks and safety alarms on any doors with direct access to the pool. Pack a first aid kit and a CPR mask as added precautions. When choosing swimwear for kids, neon or bright colors make them easier to spot in the water.

Before you head out on your vacation, do your homework. Find out if lifeguards are at the beach and their duty hours. If you're staying at a hotel, find out if there's a fence around the pool and if it has a self-latching gate. If you're staying at a vacation rental, find out if there are locks and safety alarms leading to the pool area. Pack a first aid kit and a CPR mask as an added precaution. When choosing swimwear for your kids, neon or bright colors make it easier to spot them when they're in the water.

When you arrive, do the following: check all surrounding water and look for posted safety signs; confirm all barriers to the pool, including latches and gates, are working correctly; keep the local emergency number handy; make sure the vacation rental or hotel number is posted alongside it; check for alarms on doors with direct access to pool areas; ask if the property has an emergency response plan; and if you're at a beach, find out whether marine life such as jellyfish, sharks, or other hazards are known to be present. Make sure everyone — including children — knows how to call 911.

Find out what rescue devices are available and where first aid supplies are located. Learn the local rules about life jackets — many states have strict laws regarding their use for children on boats. Always use life jackets approved by the United States Coast Guard, and choose the correct size for your child. Check whether water conditions are posted, especially in areas prone to rip currents or tropical weather events. Learn the beach flag warning system and pay attention to it before entering the ocean.

Stay Alert, Watch Your Kids and the Surroundings

One parent or another person in your group should be the designated water watcher. That person should watch the kids closely and without distraction — no reading, texting, cooking, or other activities. For young or non-swimmers, stay within arm's reach at all times. People can rotate this responsibility regularly. Swimming at a pool or beach with lifeguards on duty provides an additional layer of protection, but lifeguards must watch everyone — you remain responsible for your own child's safety.

Research shows that nearly 70% of toddler drownings occur during non-swim time, when children are not expected to be near the water. Keep doors to the outside locked at all times, and keep any hotel or rental alarms turned on. Teach kids that rafts and floats are toys, not safety devices. Remove all pool toys and floats from the water when heading indoors so children aren't tempted to retrieve them on their own.

Understanding your surroundings is also essential. Swimming in an indoor pool is different from swimming in an ocean with changing tides and weather. Know your child's skill level, watch for fatigue, and know when to call it a day.

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