Keep Kids Safe Around Water This Summer

County Governance, Operations, Policy

As temperatures rise and families look for ways to stay cool, Sacramento County reminds parents and caregivers that water safety should be a top priority throughout the summer months. Drowning is one of the leading causes of injury-related death for children, but many incidents can be prevented through awareness, preparation and active supervision.

Whether spending time at a swimming pool, lake, river, water park or even at home, it’s important to take steps to stay safe. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly. An adult should always be supervising children when they are in or near water.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to talk with children and teens about water safety this summer. These conversations should include the importance of following safety rules, swimming with a buddy and listening to lifeguards or supervising adults.

What you can do before spending a day on the water:

Parents should take a few minutes to make sure they are prepared. Children under 13 in Sacramento County must wear properly fitted life jackets when boating or spending time in lakes, rivers or other open water. While floatation devices and water toys can be fun, they should never replace close adult supervision or a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

How you can start the conversation with your kids:

It’s also important to talk with children about what to do around water. Remind them to stay where adults can see them, avoid rough play near pools or waterways, and never enter the water without permission. Having these conversations before a family outing can help children make safer choices when they are excited and distracted by summer activities.

Drownings can happen in unexpected places:

Water safety discussions should not be limited to pools, lake rivers and oceans. Drownings can happen inside the home as well. Bathtubs, buckets, large containers and other sources of standing water can pose serious risks to young children. Babies can drown in as little as one inch of water. Parents and caregivers should never leave infants or young children unattended around water, even for a moment.

To help keep children safe, parents and caregivers should:

• Always provide close, undistracted supervision when children are in or near water.
• Designate a responsible adult as a “water watcher” during gatherings and swimming activities.
• Ensure pools and spas are secured with proper fencing and self-latching gates.
• Use properly fitted life jackets when boating or recreating near open water.
• Enroll children in age-appropriate swim lessons when possible.
• Learn CPR and know how to respond in a water emergency.
• Talk with children regularly about water safety rules and expectations.
• Empty buckets, kiddie pools and other containers after use and store them safely.

When visiting Sacramento County Parks:

Sacramento County Regional Parks reminds residents to use extra caution when visiting local waterways. Rivers can have strong currents, cold water temperatures and hidden hazards that make them dangerous, even for experienced swimmers. Parents should talk with children about these risks and make sure they stay in approved recreation areas. Remember: County ordinance requires that all children under 13 wear an approved life jacket before entering lakes and rivers. Life jackets are also stationed in several areas along the river.

As families enjoy the summer season, a few simple precautions and conversations can go a long way toward preventing accidents and keeping children safe while they have fun in and around the water.

Check out these additional water safety resources:

• Regional Parks river safety tips
• Regional Parks Kids Don’t Float water safety tips
• American Red Cross swim lessons and water safety classes

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