There is an undeniable pull to be in the water during the warm summer months, but enjoying the water comes with risks and added responsibilities that need to be taken seriously. The unfortunate truth is that drowning is the number one cause of death for children ages one to four and remains the third leading cause of death from unintentional injury worldwide.

Mount Nittany Health’s Trauma Program reminds you to take swimming and water safety seriously this summer – and all year long – by adhering to the following safety guidelines and injury prevention measures.

Pool Safety

Drowning risks and prevention measures change as children grow, but at all ages, having multiple layers of protection is essential, according to the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP). Key measures include:

• Fencing. Four-sided fencing that is at least four feet high around all residential pools is considered the most effective, proven way to prevent drowning of young children.
• Alarms. A child drowning is rarely heard. Pool alarms can detect waves on the water’s surface and sound off to attract attention when someone has fallen into the pool. Door and gate alarms provide additional layers of security.
• Supervision. Assign a “water watcher” whose job is to watch all children swimming or playing near the water. Re-assigning this role and having a proper hand-off of responsibility is critical.
• Life jackets. Put your child in a properly-fitted US Coast Guard-approved life jacket when in or around water.
• Swim lessons. The AAP recommends swim lessons as an additional prevention measure starting as young as one year old. Check your local YMCA for resources.

Pool covers can also serve as a layer of protection only if they cover the entire pool securely enough that a child cannot slip underneath. Floating solar and winter covers are not safety covers and can increase drowning risk.

As for teens and adults, formal swim lessons and wearing a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket are also important safety measures, in addition to the following:

• Know your limits. Don’t overestimate your swimming abilities and stay within your comfort zone.
• Avoid alcohol. Drinking alcohol near water can impair your judgment and increase your risk of accidents.
• Swim with others. Even if you’re a strong swimmer, swimming with others can ensure you get the help you need if or when you need it. Importantly, if someone is in trouble, throw them something that floats, like a life jacket, raft, or pool noodle, and call for help.

“No one should have to lose a loved one to drowning, yet there are more than 4,000 drowning deaths on average each year in the United States, affecting people of all ages and experience levels,” said Nola Wagner, BSN, RN, Trauma Program Coordinator, Mount Nittany Health. “I have a passion for injury prevention and education within our communities, which is why sharing these preventative measures is so important to me. When we take the appropriate safety measures, we can drastically minimize the risk of injury and keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.”

Open Water Safety

Open, natural waters like lakes, streams, and oceans can come with their own unique conditions that swimmers should be aware of.

When visiting the beach this summer, avoid swimming when there are strong waves, rip currents, undertows, and other underwater hazards. If you start to feel cold, promptly get out of the water.

If enjoying water activities like boating, kayaking, jet-skiing, water-skiing, or tubing, the most critical thing you can do for your safety is wear a properly-fitting life jacket at all times.

Accidents on the water happen too fast to reach and put on a stowed life jacket. According to the US Coast Guard, 75% of boating deaths are due to drowning and 87% of victims were not wearing a life jacket. This one simple step can save your life.

“As a medical provider, I believe one of the most important things I can do is educate my patients and raise awareness around water safety and injury prevention,” said Tara Shapich, PA-C, Mount Nittany Health Primary Care Bellefonte. “The heartbreaking and tragic drowning deaths in our community recently have highlighted just how important water safety is. We all want to keep our loved ones safe. Adhering to and sharing about these important preventative measures is one way we can do that.”

For questions about water safety, speak with your primary care provider. To schedule an appointment with one of Mount Nittany Health’s Primary Care providers today, visit mountnittany.org/services/primary-care/.