News
Swimming Season Safety Tips (posted June 4, 2025).png)
By Adam Behnke, Communications Specialist for Brown County Public Health
Going swimming is a great summertime activity. It’s healthy and allows you to cool off in the rising heat and humidity. But swimming can also be dangerous if you don’t follow safety rules. Whether you’re swimming in a city pool or in a lake or river, it’s important to know how to protect yourself and others from accidents, injuries, and even drowning. Sun safety is also important, since spending time in the water usually means spending time in the sun. In this edition of the Healthy Herald, we’ll learn the most important swimming safety tips for pools and natural waters, as well as how to protect your skin from too much sun exposure.
Drowning Dangers
The non-profit Safe Kids Worldwide says 981 children drowned in the U.S. in 2023. Thousands of others are seen in the emergency room for near-drowning incidents. For kids ages 1–4, drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death. And it's the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children of all ages.
Rules for Staying Safe at the Pool
Water Watchers
At city or community pools, there are usually rules and people in charge to help keep everyone safe. One of the most important rules is to always have an adult watching kids in the water. Municipal pools will almost always have a lifeguard on duty any time the pool is open, but the monitor’s job becomes more difficult the busier the pool becomes. That’s why Safe Kids Worldwide suggests adults in a group should assign the job of ‘Water Watcher’; some who pays close attention, not reading, texting, or doing anything else. After a designated period of time, say 15 or 30 minutes, another adult can be selected as the Water Watcher.
The YMCA recently launched a water safety campaign called Phones Down, Eyes Up™, highlighting how even a few seconds of distraction at the pool, beach, or lakeside can have deadly consequences. The campaign has a simple slogan that's easy to remember: Your eyes can save lives.
The organization urges adults to take the Phones Down, Eyes Up Pledge, a commitment to help keep kids safe in and around water this summer and all year long. By taking the pledge, you agree to:
- Actively watch children in and around water.
- Keep my eyes on the water.
- Avoid distractions like talking on the phone, socializing, or reading while watching children.
- Keep a phone nearby for emergencies.
- Remain by the water until relieved by a new water watcher.
The Dangers of Pool Drains
Pool drains can be dangerous because the suction can trap hair, jewelry, or even body parts. That’s why there are laws that require all public pools to have special drain covers that prevent accidents. Never swim in a pool or hot tub if the drain cover is loose, broken, or missing. Likewise, teach children to stay away from drains and pipes in any pool they swim in.
Pools should also have fences all the way around them, with gates that close and lock by themselves. This keeps kids from getting into the pool area when no one is around. Pool toys should be put away when not in use, so kids aren’t tempted to reach for them and accidentally fall in.
Lifeguards on the Lookout
Lifeguards are trained to watch swimmers and help in emergencies. They make sure everyone follows the rules, warn people if they’re being unsafe, and are ready to help if someone gets hurt or is in trouble in the water. Lifeguards also check the pool and equipment to make sure everything is safe and clean. You should always listen to a lifeguard and follow what they say.
Other Safety Rules to Follow at the Pool
- Always swim with a friend! Never swim alone, and make sure children are supervised by an adult who’s paying attention at all times.
- Obey all posted pool rules and follow any instructions from a lifeguard.
- Walk, never run, on the pool deck to avoid slipping.
- Only dive in designated areas that are clearly marked as safe for diving. Never, ever dive in shallow water.
- Adults should know how to swim, teach their children to swim, and all should practice water competency skills.
- Learn CPR and know what to do in an emergency.
Natural Water Hazards
Swimming in lakes, rivers, or the ocean is different from swimming in a pool. The water can be cold, the weather can change quickly, and there might be strong currents or waves. Even if the water appears calm, there can be hidden dangers like rocks, plants, or sudden drop-offs. Sometimes, animals or fish in the water can startle you, too.
It’s also important to watch out for the weather. If you hear thunder or see lightning, get out of the water right away and stay in a safe place for at least half an hour after you hear the last rumble of thunder.
Swimming Safely Out in Nature
Always go into natural water feet first, especially if you don’t know how deep it is or what’s under the surface. Only dive in places that are marked safe for diving. Typically, that means the water is at least nine feet deep and clear of obstacles.
Never swim alone. Use the buddy system so someone can help if there’s an emergency. Don’t swim if you’ve been drinking alcohol, and make sure adults watching kids are also sober.
Other Safety Rules for Lakes and Natural Waters
- Be aware of hazards like sudden drop-offs, currents, waves, underwater obstacles, and wildlife.
- Check weather conditions before swimming; leave the water immediately if you hear thunder or see lightning.
- Wear a life jacket when boating or if you’re not a strong swimmer.
- Stay within designated swimming areas and don’t swim farther than your abilities allow.
- Know your limits and take breaks if you get tired.
- Learn basic water rescue skills and CPR.
Protecting Your Skin from the Sun
Spending time in the sun can be fun, but too much UV radiation can hurt your skin. Always use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and apply it on all exposed skin about 15–30 minutes before you go outside. It’s important you don’t forget to reapply every two hours or right after swimming or sweating. Don’t forget spots like your ears, feet, and the back of your neck. Use lip balm with SPF to protect your lips.
Wear a hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved swim shirt for extra protection. Try to swim in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is lower in the sky and its UV radiation isn’t as powerful. If you’re outside for a long time, take breaks in the shade or use an umbrella.
SLIP! SLOP! SLAP! And WRAP!
The American Cancer Society has an awareness campaign for skin cancer prevention that promotes a longtime, easily-remembered slogan: “Slip! Slop! Slap! And Wrap!” The catch phrase reminds people of the four key ways they can protect themselves from UV radiation:
- Slip on a shirt
- Slop on sunscreen
- Slap on a hat
- Wrap on sunglasses to protect your eyes and sensitive skin around them
The Final Lap
Swimming is a great way to have fun and stay healthy, but it’s important to be careful. Always follow safety rules at pools, watch out for hidden dangers in natural water, and make sure to protect your skin from the sun. Teach kids how to swim at an early age and always have an adult watching when anyone is in the water. By following these tips, you can help make that next summer trip to the pool or beach goes ‘swimmingly’!
Stay Healthy, Brown County!
Resources
https://www.safekids.org/safetytips/field_type/infographic/field_risks/swimming-and-water
https://www.ymca.org/phones-down-eyes-up
https://www.poolsafely.gov/
https://sfm.illinois.gov/currentfocus/pool-safety.html
https://gwrymca.org/blog/water-safety-tips
https://texasswimacademy.com/safety-first-10-must-know-pool-safety-tips-parents-students/
https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/water-safety/lake-river-safety.html
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Beaches/BeachTips.html
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/risk-prevention/sun-and-uv/uv-protection.html
https://www.acsresources.org/mission/slip-slop-slap-wrap-skin-cancer-awareness/