Experts offer water safety advice to families and caregivers amid rising drowning deaths.

A recent report highlights the significance of swimming and water safety strategies as summer begins.

In the U.S., approximately 4,000 unintentional drowning deaths occur annually, with the highest rate among children aged 1 to 4 years old, according to a report from the CDC.

The report stated that drowning is the leading cause of death among children under the age of 4 and is one of the top three causes of unintentional injury-related deaths among those aged 5 to 34.

The ZAC Foundation's executive director, Megan Ferraro, emphasizes the importance of water safety amid a rise in drownings among young children in the U.S.

An organization based in Connecticut creates educational materials for swimmers of all ages and abilities, as stated in an email to Planet Chronicle Digital.

Since the COVID pandemic, the number of unintentional drowning deaths has increased, according to a report.

The CDC stated that the increased drowning rates between 2020 and 2022 may have been due to infrastructure disruptions, limited access to supervised swimming venues, and individuals spending more time in or near water.

Although there are risks involved, over half of American adults have never received swimming instruction.

As the beach and pool season approaches, swim and water officials have shared eight water safety measures to prevent drownings.

1. Choose swimsuit colors carefully

Some swim instructors recommend dressing children in brightly colored swimsuits and avoiding suits that blend with the water.

Nikki Scarnati, a certified infant swimming resource instructor in Florida, advised parents on TikTok to avoid purchasing blue or pastel-colored bathing suits, as they can make it challenging to detect children in the water.

In her 2023 social media post, she showcased how seeing bright colors, such as red, was more visible in splashing water.

2. Don’t skip the swim lessons

Local organizations offer swim lessons for children at an early age, as recommended by water safety instructors.

Ferraro pointed out that swim lessons decrease childhood drowning by 88%, according to studies.

The American Red Cross, among other organizations, provides swim classes to enhance comfort and proficiency in the water, ultimately making swimmers safer and stronger.

"Studies have shown that swim lessons reduce childhood drowning by 88%."

Experts recommend taking extra precautions, including installing alarms and gates, to prevent unsupervised children from entering pool areas.

3. Be aware of high-risk children

Autism Speaks' Philadelphia-based vice president, Lindsay Naeder, stated that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children with autism, according to a report by Planet Chronicle Digital.

Educating beach and pool lifeguards about recognizing signs of distress in swimmers with autism is crucial, as emphasized by Naeder.

Naeder advised working with lifeguards to comprehend the unique behaviors of autism and the most effective communication strategies for interacting with an autistic person, particularly during a potentially hazardous scenario, via email to Planet Chronicle Digital.

4. Install safeguards for older swimmers

Experts advised Planet Chronicle Digital that installing gates and pool alarms can prevent hazardous circumstances when caring for adults with dementia who may wander and become confused.

Ferraro advised caregivers of elderly adults with dementia to identify potentially dangerous areas near their homes, such as pools and all bodies of water, according to Planet Chronicle Digital.

An alarm that beeps when a pool door is opened or the water surface is disturbed by movement was suggested by her.

"Always ensure a senior with dementia has a swim buddy or guardian nearby."

5. Know the ABCDEs

Ferraro advised parents and caregivers to employ multiple layers of protection to ensure the safety of their families in and around water, as reported by Planet Chronicle Digital.

Following the ABCDEs of water safety is crucial, she emphasized. This includes adult supervision, barriers around water, swim classes, avoiding drain entrapment and using devices such as Coast Guard-approved lifejackets, and being aware that water is everywhere.

6. Remain vigilant while in large groups

As pool party season gets underway, it is important to remain vigilant.

Ferraro cautioned that in big gatherings, such as pool parties, there's a common assumption that someone else is supervising the kids in the pool, which is referred to as the diffusion of responsibility.

"Don’t ever assume someone else is watching your kids around the water."

"Assuming someone else is watching your kids around the water can have deadly consequences."

It is crucial for parents to closely supervise their children while swimming in lifeguard-designated areas, even if lifeguards are present, Ferraro emphasized.

She recommended appointing an adult "water guardian" to constantly monitor individuals in the water.

"Ensure that children are always within arm's length of an adult when near water, whether at the pool or beach. Never leave a child unattended in or near the water, not even for a moment."

7. Ensure pets’ safety

The ZAC Foundation advised Ferrara to prioritize the safety of pets when swimming in water.

"Be cautious when leaving your pet near water, as not all dog breeds are natural swimmers."

8. Be mindful of water differences

Experts caution that swimming in open water differs from swimming in a pool.

According to George Gorman Jr., regional director of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, swimming proficiently in a backyard pool does not necessarily mean you can swim well in the ocean.

"You need to stay close to shore, and gain experience."

Gorman, who manages many of the ocean areas near Long Island, New York, advised people to be cautious of potential rip currents in the ocean waters.

"To avoid being caught in a rip current, he advised swimming parallel to the shore until the current diminishes and you are out of it."

Additionally, he suggested swimming with a companion and keeping a 25-foot distance if a rip current is detected.

"By doing this, your friend will have the opportunity to respond and seek assistance."

To avoid sharks and other unwanted marine life, Gorman advised staying away from murky waters and keeping an eye out for larger fish.

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According to Gorman, if you observe splashing fish or diving seabirds, it typically indicates the presence of smaller fish in that area. Consequently, larger fish may be heading there to feed on those smaller fish.

It's prudent to steer clear of regions where larger marine creatures, such as seals or dolphins, have been sighted.