Swim Education & Water Safety: Key to Saving Lives

Water surrounds us, and for many, this is a source of joy. From lakes and rivers to oceans and pools, water enriches our world—but it also comes with a duty to stay safe.

If swimming, boating, or other water activities are part of your daily routine, you likely know the basics of water safety. But even if you live far from large bodies of water, not understanding water-related risks or how to act in an emergency can put you and your family in danger.

Why Water Safety Matters

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, an estimated 11 people in the United States die from accidental drowning each day. What’s even more devastating is that two out of every 10 of these victims are children aged 14 or younger.

Drowning ranks as the fifth leading cause of accidental injury and death nationwide. The CDC also shares these troubling figures:

For children ages 1–4, drowning is the top cause of death. For kids 5–14, it’s the second leading cause of accidental death, behind only motor vehicle crashes.

For every child who dies from drowning, seven more are treated in emergency rooms for nonfatal submersion injuries.

Nearly half of those emergency room cases require hospitalization or transfer to another care facility—compared to just 10% of all accidental injuries.

Nonfatal drowning injuries can lead to severe brain damage and long-term disabilities, including memory issues, loss of basic functioning (such as a permanent vegetative state), and learning challenges.

Making a Difference Through Access

One organization’s mission is to make water-based fun, fitness, and recreation available to as many people as possible. It believes that kids who learn water safety grow into safe adults—and so it supports swim education and awareness through a dedicated access initiative.

Here are some of the ways this group helps people of all ages and abilities stay safe around water:

It offers a line of space-saving, easy-to-maintain pools and swim training spas that can be installed almost anywhere, making pool ownership feasible for more homeowners. Regular access to a pool helps children feel more comfortable and confident in water, building a strong foundation for lifelong safe water recreation.

Whether placed in a commercial swim school, backyard, or indoor pool area, these products create an ideal setting for swim lessons. Their adjustable current can be increased or decreased to fit most students, and their compact size means instructors can stay within arm’s reach without getting in the water. This close supervision helps students feel secure and get immediate feedback.

Features like custom-fitted manual or automatic locking covers keep kids and pets safe when the pool isn’t used. Accessibility tools such as handrails, steps, and bars make entering and exiting these products safer and easier.

The resistance current helps young or new swimmers get used to moving water. Data from the Association of Aquatic Professionals shows that 74% of drownings happen in open water (lakes, oceans, rivers). Mastering skills in a controlled space—with an instructor or parent nearby—gives swimmers the knowledge and confidence to stay safe in pools or open water.

Through its access initiative, the organization helps make swim education available to everyone. As a company based in the Philadelphia area, it has partnered with the Greater Philadelphia YMCA to provide swim lessons to hundreds of underserved young people and adults. Its support also aids an effort focused on creating more swimmers nationwide, which has helped underserved communities in 46 states gain access to vital swim education—empowering them to enjoy water safely.

Water Safety Tips

These tips from the World Waterpark Association (shared in honor of National Water Safety Month) can help keep you and your family safe around water:

Everyone should learn to swim. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends swimming lessons for children starting at age 1, provided the child is emotionally and developmentally prepared.

Adults must actively supervise children whenever they are near water—never get distracted during supervision.

Swimming in areas with lifeguards is best, but lifeguards should be seen as a last line of defense when other safety measures fail.

Learn how to perform CPR correctly.

Follow posted safety rules—read and discuss them with children when you arrive at a pool or beach.

All non-swimmers (including those uncomfortable in water or in open water) should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

Install safety barriers like pool covers, child alarms, self-locking gates, and fences to prevent unsupervised access to water.

How You Can Help

Connect with the National Water Safety Month community on Facebook by liking, sharing, and commenting on their posts.

Promote water safety in classrooms: distribute educational materials, encourage children to take a water safety pledge, and hang National Water Safety Month posters.

Host a water safety fair with local partners, such as your community YMCA, swim or triathlon studios, or fire department.

May Is National Water Safety Month

First established in 2007, National Water Safety Month has long emphasized the significance of staying safe around water. During this time, groups like the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, the American Red Cross, the National Recreation and Park Association, and the World Waterpark Association work together to raise awareness about drowning prevention and promote safe practices in and around water.

Over the years, National Water Safety Month has gained support from governors in every state, who have signed proclamations backing its efforts. Olympic swimmers have also joined the cause, drawing attention to the importance of swim lessons and public education on safe practices for both children and adults.

Have Fun and Stay Safe—Every Day!

National Water Safety Month is a timely reminder that many water-related injuries and tragedies are preventable. You can do your part by ensuring the children and adults in your life know how to swim and behave responsibly around all types of water.

For those focused on water safety, it’s understood that this commitment lasts all year. That’s why there’s a continued effort to provide resources, advice, and support to help individuals and families stay safe around water every day.