Drowning Is Silent: Simple Steps That Can Save a Life
July 25 is National Water Safety Day
By Shawnae Holliday
Sagewell Health & Fitness Recreation and Aquatics Manager
Drowning can happen in less time than it takes to answer a text message—and it often happens silently. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning each year in the United States, making drowning the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.
The most effective way to prevent drowning is active adult supervision. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends "touch supervision," meaning young children should remain within arm's reach of a responsible adult whenever they are in or near water. Designating a distraction-free "Water Watcher" can help ensure someone is focused solely on supervision.
Shawnae Holliday
Swimming lessons provide another important layer of protection. Research shows that formal swim instruction can significantly reduce drowning risk while teaching essential water survival skills like floating, treading water, and safely exiting the water.
Water safety experts also recommend multiple layers of protection, including four-sided pool fencing, self-latching gates, pool alarms, and properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for boating and open-water activities.
Because emergencies can still happen, parents and caregivers should learn CPR. In a water emergency, quick action can make a lifesaving difference.
Water safety is everyone's responsibility. Through active supervision, swim education, safety barriers, and emergency preparedness, many drowning tragedies can be prevented and lives can be saved.
Visit conehealth.com/classes to register for swim lessons and CPR classes so you can have the safest possible National Water Safety Day this July 25 and many more to come!
Shawnae Holliday earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Western Illinois University where she studied recreation, park & tourism administration and minored in SCUBA diving.
