Now that summer is here many of us spend  a lot of time around water, whether it is pools, beaches, or lakes.  How do you keep your children safe?

In my family I have noticed that the children I am the most fearful for are the ones who think that they can swim better than they actually can.  The ones whose confidence exceeds their ability. 

Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death in people ages 5-24.  I am hypervigilant when we go to the pool.  I am continuously shocked by the number of parents who are not watching their children.  It just takes a second for one of them to slip out of view in a crowded pool. 

So how do you help your children be safe in the pool?

1) Constant supervision.  Even for older kids. 

2) Swim lessons, though they do not replace supervision.

3) Teaching all of your children to float on their backs at an early age.  I make my 4 and 6 yr olds practice this everyday.  I say, “Starfish” and that is their signal to roll onto their backs and float until I tell them to stop.  I want to impress upon them that should they fall into water unexpectedly, or get tired swimming, they can float on their backs.

4) Make no roughousing a rule.   This includes both in the pool and around the perimeter. 

5) Remember that floatation devices such as inner tubes and water wings are aids.  The goal should be to get your chidlren swimming efficiently without them.

6) Force your children to take breaks when they look like they are getting tired.  Call them out of the pool for a little snack or drink if they don’t want to admit that they are tired.