Summer brings sunshine, laughter, and long days by the pool or lake, but for families with young children, it also brings serious risks — especially when it comes to water safety. Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in children under 14. At Colin’s Hope, our mission is clear: prevent drownings and help every family enjoy a safer summer.
Whether you’re headed to the beach, pool, or backyard sprinkler, here are a handful of critical tips every parent and caregiver should follow:
1. Never Leave Children Unattended Near Water
It only takes seconds for a child to slip under the water. Always assign a designated water watcher — an adult who is fully focused on supervising the kids. That means no phones, no distractions, and absolutely no assuming someone else is watching.
Even if lifeguards are present, your attention is the first and most important line of defense.
2. Review Our Lessons and Curriculum
Water Safety with Colin & Friends is a comprehensive water safety program for kids. The goal? To teach children key rules that can help them make safer choices around all types of water.
View each of the lessons here to learn about waiting for grown up, understand why grown ups should always watch kids around water, discuss the importance of learning to swim, talk about why and how to use of life jackets, learn about safer behaviors in water like beaches, lakes, and rivers, and understand why kids should always stay away from drains.
3. Teach Kids to Swim — Early and Often
Formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88% in children ages 1 to 4. Look for certified swim programs in your community that are age-appropriate, fun, and focused on both survival skills and confidence-building.
Even toddlers can start learning how to float, kick, and reach the pool wall — skills that could save their life.
4. Fence It, Lock It, Cover It
If you have a pool at home, install a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Pool covers, alarms, and safety nets add additional layers of protection.
Remember: kids are curious, and backyard pools should be treated like any other household hazard — kept secure at all times.
5. Use Life Jackets — NOT Floaties
Water wings, noodles, and inflatable rings are toys — not safety devices. When boating, visiting lakes, or swimming in open water, make sure children (and adults, especially those who can’t swim) wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
Choose one that fits snugly and is appropriate for your child’s size and weight. Make sure all buckles are fastened securely and that the jacket remains on their chest when they lift their arms. It’s always a good idea to test the life vest on the child in the water prior to water recreation to ensure no defects and that the jacket will indeed keep the child’s head and face out of the water.
6. Learn CPR and Emergency Response
In an emergency, every second counts. Knowing how to respond can make the difference between life and death. Consider taking a CPR and water rescue course, especially if you’re a parent, babysitter, or often around children near water.
Until help arrives, your actions can sustain life — and possibly save it.
A Safe Summer Starts with You
Drowning is silent, fast, and preventable. By staying informed and proactive, you can make sure the water stays a source of joy — not tragedy — for your family.
We’re here to provide resources, education, and support to protect every child in and around water. Together, let’s make this summer the safest one yet. You can view all of our resources at https://drowningispreventable.org/resources/