May is Water Safety Month: An essential read for anyone who spends time around water with children

By: Rose Cholewinski, SwimAmerica-Davis for The Dirt

May marks National Water Safety Month, and at SwimAmerica-Davis, we’re proud to spotlight a core part of our mission: helping kids become safer and more confident in and around water. 

Each year in the U.S., nearly one thousand children lose their lives to drowning. It’s the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1-4, and the second leading cause for those under 14. These are devastating statistics—but the good news is: drowning is preventable. 

What Water Safety Really Means

Water safety is about more than just knowing how to swim. A good learn-to-swim program should teach children to: 

• Roll over and float to breathe 
• Call for and wait for help 
• Enter and exit the water safely
• Never swim alone 
• Respect all water-whether it’s a pool, lake, or the bathtub 

Always Check the Pool First

If a child is missing—even for a moment—check the water first. Drowning can happen in seconds and is often silent. Always ensure that barriers are secure and pool areas are monitored to prevent accidents before they happen. 

5 Layers of Water Protection 

We teach swimming skills, but we also educate families on a broader approach to water safety. These Five Layers of Protection provide a comprehensive strategy that every parent and caregiver should know: 

1. Supervision
   Active, attentive adult supervision is the first and most important layer. Always keep children within arm’s reach around water. At parties or gatherings, assign a designated Water Watcher—someone whose sole focus is monitoring swimmers. 
2. Barriers
   Physical barriers such as locked pool gates, door alarms, and secure pool covers add essential protection. They help prevent unsupervised access to water areas. 
3. Life Jackets
   When near open water or on boats, make sure children wear properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Even strong swimmers need them in unpredictable natural environments—and adults should wear them too! 
4. Swim Lessons
   Swim lessons save lives. At SwimAmerica-Davis, we practice survival skills-like floating, rolling over, and swimming to safety. Regular practice ensures kids not only learn these skills but retain them. 
5. Emergency Preparation
   Every second counts in an emergency. Parents and caregivers should learn CPR, post emergency contact numbers visibly, and have a clear action plan for emergencies involving water. 

OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFER SUMMERS 

At SwimAmerica-Davis, our mission goes beyond swim lessons. We’re here to help every child build the skills and confidence to enjoy the water safely—not just this summer, but all year long. Let’s work together to make this season full of joyful splashes, confident swimmers, and peace of mind for families. Because water safety isn’t just a one-time lesson—it’s a lifelong skill.

SwimAmerica-Davis is located at 2121 2nd St # A101, Davis, CA 95618 and online at swimamericadavis.com.