Water Safety: Protecting Your Family This Summer

As temperatures rise across South Dakota, families naturally head outdoors to enjoy pools, lakes, rivers, and other water activities. While water recreation provides great exercise and family fun, it's also important to recognize that drowning remains one of the leading causes of injury-related death among children.

The good news is that many water-related tragedies are preventable.

Supervision Is the First Line of Defense

One of the most important water safety measures is active adult supervision. Drowning often happens quickly and quietly. Unlike what is portrayed in movies, a person who is struggling in the water may not be able to call out for help.

When children are in or around water, adults should remain attentive and avoid distractions such as phones, reading, or lengthy conversations. Designating a "Water Watcher" can help ensure someone is always focused on supervision.

Use Layers of Protection

Experts recommend using multiple layers of protection around water. No single safety measure is foolproof, but combining several precautions significantly reduces risk.

Important safety layers include:

• Constant adult supervision

• Swimming lessons

• Properly fitted life jackets

• Four-sided pool fencing

• Self-closing and self-latching gates

• Pool alarms and door alarms

• CPR training for caregivers

Pool fences remain one of the most effective ways to prevent young children from accessing water unsupervised.

Life Jackets Save Lives

Whenever children or inexperienced swimmers are around lakes, rivers, or boats, they should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Inflatable toys and water wings should never be considered safety devices.

Life jackets provide an important layer of protection, particularly in open water where conditions can change quickly.

Swimming Lessons Help—but They Don't Replace Supervision

Swimming lessons teach valuable skills and increase confidence in the water. However, even strong swimmers can encounter unexpected situations, including fatigue, currents, or medical emergencies.

Parents should continue active supervision regardless of a child's swimming ability.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Every family that spends time around water should have a plan for emergencies. Consider learning CPR and basic water rescue techniques. Having these skills can make a critical difference while waiting for emergency responders. Contact Beth Storms at 605-842-7193 to sign up to become CPR certified - our next session will be held July 22nd, 2026!

Enjoy Water Safely This Summer

At Winner Regional Health, we encourage families to enjoy all the benefits of South Dakota summers while making safety a priority. A few simple precautions can help ensure that every day at the pool, lake, or river ends with great memories.

Stay safe, stay vigilant, and have a wonderful summer.