Skip To Main Content

May- Water Safety Month

Post RSS Feeds Subscribe to Post Alerts
May- Water Safety Month
May- Water Safety Month

May is National Water Safety Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about drowning prevention and helping families build safe habits in and around the water. Whether you’re visiting a pool, lake, river, or beach this summer, water safety starts with preparation, supervision, and confidence in the water. From swim lessons and properly fitted life jackets to active supervision and emergency preparedness, small steps can make a life-saving difference. 

Swim Lessons 

Learning to swim is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of drowning. Swim lessons teach more than strokes and breathing techniques, swimmers also learn essential water competency skills like floating, safe entry and exit, and how to respond in an emergency. Building confidence in the water at a young age can help create safer swimmers for life. 

At the Snohomish Aquatic Center, swimmers of all ages from tot to teen, even adults, can build life-saving skills through swimming lessons, recreational swimming, and other aquatic programs designed to increase comfort and confidence in the water. 

Life Jackets 

Life jackets save lives- but only when they fit properly. Whether you’re boating, swimming in open water, or spending time at the lake or river, a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is an important layer of protection, especially for children and weaker swimmers. 

A properly fitted life jacket should feel snug and secure with all buckles and straps fastened. If the jacket rides up over the chin or face when lifted at the shoulders, it is too large. Life jackets should always be selected based on the wearer’s weight and size. 

Not sure where to get a lifejacket or how to fit one? 

Supervision 

Active supervision is one of the most important parts of water safety. Drowning can happen quickly and silently, often without splashing or yelling for help. Even when lifeguards are on duty, parents and caregivers play a critical role in keeping children safe in and around the water. 

Young swimmers should always remain within arm’s reach of a trusted adult, especially inexperienced swimmers and children under age 7. Staying attentive, avoiding distractions, and never swimming alone are simple habits that can prevent accidents before they happen.  

Brightly colored swimsuits can also help improve visibility in the water, while darker colors like blue, black, and white may be more difficult to see underwater. 

Water emergency preparedness 

Being prepared for a water emergency can save valuable seconds during a crisis. Learning CPR is strongly encouraged for parents, caregivers, and anyone who supervises swimmers. Immediate CPR can greatly improve a drowning victim’s chance of survival while emergency responders are on the way. 

It’s also important to keep safety equipment nearby, know the address or location of your swim area, and call 911 immediately if someone is missing near water. Practicing emergency plans with children and discussing what to do if they fall into water can help families respond more quickly and confidently in an emergency. 

Water preparedness tips: 

  • Call for help immediately- If someone is missing, check the water first. Seconds matter. 

  • Have safety gear nearby- Keep a reaching pole, ring buoy, or floatation device close to the pool or swim area. 

  • Know your location- Whether you’re at a lake, river, or a friend’s backyard pool, knowing the address helps 911 find you fast. 

  • Practice emergency drills with kids- Make sure they know how to get help and what to do if they fall in.