Water Safety Matters: How To Prevent Drowning And Protect Your Family Year-Round

Water Safety for All Ages: Protecting Children and Preventing Drowning

Gerardo Campbell08/03/2025

0 13 3 minutes read

Water safety to prevent drowning-Stepdad helping his stepson put on a life jacket before kayaking

Introduction

As summer winds down, the need for water safety remains more important than ever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the number one cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4. Even adults are at risk –adult drowning deaths are on the rise for the first time in two decades. Whether you’re near a backyard pool, lake, river, or even the bathtub, being proactive can save lives.

Table of Contents

“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty.” Proverbs 27:12, NIV

Understanding the Risk

“My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6a, NIV

Drowning can happen silently and in as little as 30 seconds. Most childhood drownings occur during non-swim times, when adults may not be paying attention. Adults, too, are often overconfident in their swimming abilities, especially in unfamiliar or natural bodies of water. Being aware of the risks is the first step toward prevention.

The Five Layers of Protection

1. Barriers and Alarms

Physical barriers such as four-sided fencing with self-latching gates around pools can prevent young children from accessing water unsupervised. Alarms on doors, gates, and pool covers add another layer of protection.
Tip: Regularly check fences and latches for wear and tear.

2. Supervision

Drowning is often silent. Children in or near water need your full attention. Designate a “Water Watcher”; whose only job is to supervise.

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.” Ephesians 5:15, NIV

Tip: Rotate supervision duties among responsible adults to stay alert.

3. Water Competency

Knowing how to swim is not enough. Water competency includes the ability to tread water, float, and recognize hazards. Swimming lessons with certified instructors can reduce drowning risk in children by up to 88%.
Tip: Enroll both children and adults in refresher swim courses annually.

4. Life Jackets

Properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets save lives, especially in lakes, rivers, and oceans where natural elements increase risk.

Tip: Keep life jackets accessible and teach children how to put them on properly.

5. Emergency Preparation

Be ready for the unexpected. Keep a phone nearby to call 911 and consider getting CPR certified.

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.” Proverbs 3:27, NIV

Tip: Post emergency numbers and CPR steps near the pool or in your home.

Special Considerations by Location

“The wise are cautious and avoid danger; fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.” Proverbs 14:16, NIV

Home Pools

Install proper fencing and remove toys that might tempt children to approach the water unattended.

Bathtubs

Never leave a child unattended, even for a moment. Drain water immediately after use.

Natural Bodies of Water

Beware of strong currents, hidden drop-offs, and cold water shock. Always wear a life jacket.

Public Pools or Waterparks

Stay within arm’s reach of non-swimmers and obey lifeguard instructions.

Common Water Safety Myths

“The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.” Proverbs 14:15, NIV

• “They’re just playing — I’d hear them if they were drowning.”
• “Floaties are just as safe as life jackets.”
• “I can jump in and save them quickly if something goes wrong.”
• “Good swimmers don’t drown.”

Taking Action: How Families Can Stay Safe

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6, NIV

• Enroll in swim lessons early.
• Layer your safety strategies — never rely on just one.
• Inform all caregivers of your household’s water safety rules.
• Model water-safe behaviors for your children.
• Encourage your community to adopt these practices.

Resources and Where to Learn More

• CDC Drowning Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov drowning/
• National Drowning Prevention Alliance: https://ndpa.org/
• Red Cross CPR & First Aid Courses
• Local YMCA or community pool swim programs

Conclusion

Drowning is preventable. By remaining vigilant, layering safety strategies, and equipping your family with the proper knowledge and tools, you can protect your loved ones from this silent threat. Stay alert, stay informed, and stay safe — all year long.

“The wise store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin.” Proverbs 10:14, NIV

Throughout the US, many kids will be returning to school. It’s not unusual for students and parents alike to experience anxiety as the new school year approaches. After months of enjoying their summer vacation, it can be unnerving to think of back-to-school preparation.

But it’s possible to make this transition period much easier for you, your spouse, and your children. Here are some back-to-school preparation tips to help the whole family get ready for the new school year:

About the author

In 1995, Gerardo became a stepdad to two children, a boy and a girl, ages 10 and 14. In 2011, he started the website Support for Stepfathers to reverse the nearly 70% divorce rate for blended families in the United States. His website is to help and inspire stepfathers, aspiring stepfathers, and the women who love them worldwide. You can follow Support for Stepdads on Twitter and Facebook.