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National Water Safety Month: A Call to Action

As summer approaches, the American Red Cross takes this opportunity to spotlight National Water Safety Month, emphasizing the critical message that drowning is a preventable tragedy, yet it continues to rank among the top causes of death, especially for young children and individuals under 30. Often overlooked, drowning does not resemble the dramatic depictions often portrayed in movies; it occurs silently and can transpire in mere moments, even in shallow water.

The Silent Danger of Drowning

Drowning is frequently assumed to involve splashes, cries for help, and visible struggle, but in reality, it often happens without a sound. This misconception can lead to disastrous outcomes. Statistics indicate that the majority of drowning incidents occur in the presence of bystanders. Research has shown that those nearby rather than trained professionals tend to be the first responders in such emergencies. In fact, over 60% of rescues are made by bystanders before professional help arrives.

Connie Harvey, Director of Aquatics Centennial Campaign and Survival Programs, emphasizes that drowning is a leading cause of death for children, but the loss of life is preventable. She points to the stark reality faced by many: studies reveal that 72% of Hispanic adults have never received swim lessons, which often leads to children lacking essential swimming skills. However, there is always a chance to learn water safety skills, regardless of age. The American Red Cross provides numerous free resources in both English and Spanish to help individuals and families learn to prevent drowning.

Proactive Family Engagement Around Water

The Red Cross strongly encourages families to actively participate in water safety. Awareness is the first step in preventing accidental drownings. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

1. Never Swim Alone: Everyone—children, teenagers, and adults should always swim with a buddy. Never leave young children unattended near any body of water, regardless of its size.
2. Designate a Water Watcher: Assign a responsible adult to monitor children and inexperienced swimmers closely and continuously until that role is passed to another watchful caregiver.
3. Use Life Jackets Appropriately: Young children and those lacking swimming experience should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when near water. However, it’s crucial not to rely on life jackets alone for safety.
4. Emergency Response: In case of emergency, don't jump in to save someone. Instead, extend a reachable object or throw something that the person can grab, as entering the water could put you at risk of drowning.

Revamped Water Safety Programs for Children

In a bid to enhance safety awareness among children, the Red Cross has recently updated its Longfellow's WHALE Tales program for water safety education. Now available in Spanish, this no-cost program targets children from kindergarten to fifth grade, aiming to instill important water safety behaviors without requiring them to enter the water. The engaging lessons are designed for educators, swim instructors, parents, and caregivers, and cover significant safety topics tailored to different environments—be it pools, lakes, or oceans.

Educators and parents can access downloadable resources, including lesson plans and activity sheets, at redcross.org/WHALEtales.

Community Involvement and Support

The Aquatics Centennial Campaign by the Red Cross has been active since 2014, with efforts to commemorate a century of leadership in swimming and water safety. Active in over 100 communities nationwide, this initiative strives to reduce drowning rates in high-risk areas. To date, the campaign has facilitated nearly 159,000 swim lessons and has certified over 6,560 lifeguards and water safety instructors. Additionally, around 24,000 parents and caregivers have gained essential water safety knowledge and CPR skills through this program.

To become involved or learn more about available resources for swimming and safety education, you can visit redcross.org/watersafety. The Red Cross also offers a Swim app that provides child-friendly videos and activities to support learning in a fun way.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross plays a pivotal role in assisting those affected by disasters, teaching vital life-saving skills, and donating a significant portion of the country's blood supply. Being a nonprofit reliant on volunteers and the generosity of the public, it is dedicated to its mission to help those in need. For more information on their programs and volunteer opportunities, visit redcross.org or follow them on social media.

This National Water Safety Month encourages families not only to enjoy the water safely but also equips them with the tools and resources necessary to prevent drowning tragedies. Let’s work together to create a safer environment around water this summer!

StaySafe #WaterSafetyMonth #AmericanRedCross