June is National Safety Awareness month. At Child Saving Institute (CSI), we take steps every day to ensure the safety and well-being of each child and family we work with. This need for safety is addressed at CSI through trauma-informed care via our Mental Health Services team or our family support specialists within Community-Based Services who are dedicated champions of the children and families they serve.
But in these summer months safety can look a bit different. As children and families enjoy warm summer days, what’s the risk with taking kids to the pool to cool off? The answer may be more serious than you expect.
Drowning can disrupt fun in the sun and turn into moments of uncertainty. Four thousand people in the United States die each year from drowning. The leading cause of death for children ages one to four is drowning. It’s scary, but it’s real. But there are always ways to stay safe, stay aware and keep kids alive.
CSI’s Cabaret 2026 presenting sponsor and longtime community partner Diventures is another key resource for keeping kids safe, especially in the water. Diventures’ Aquatics Experience Manager Juliana “Jules” Williamson is an expert in water safety and has advice for parents as they navigate having fun and staying safe.
“Some of the most effective steps to prevent drownings are teaching children to always ask an adult for permission before getting in the water,” Williamson said. “Only swim in approved, designated swim areas and never assume that because a child can swim, they are immune to the potential of a drowning incident.”
Additionally, Williamson emphasized the crucial role adult supervision plays in water activities. Lifeguards are ready for emergencies, but caregivers and responsible adults should be the first line of defense.
If an emergency does happen while a child is in the water, it’s most important to remain calm.
“Immediately call 911 and locate any emergency equipment (like first aid kits, life rings, reaching poles and a phone),” Williamson said. “Seconds matter, so knowing where the equipment is in order to help save a child matters.”
Williamson noted that if the adult present is not trained in water rescues, cannot swim or is unable to safely reach the child, utilizing reaching poles, or throwing something to the child to get them to safety is the next best option.
So, what can parents and caregivers do to feel prepared in case of an emergency? Williamson said the answer is simple: education.
“I strongly recommend finding a local CPR, AED and First Aid class, so you as a parent are prepared in the event of a worst-case scenario,” Williamson said.
Knowing what to look for in terms of safety can help provide an extra layer of protection when thinking about a day in the water.
“Weather, strong currents or unclear water can cause the day to turn from fun to dangerous quickly,” Williamson said. “Remember to trust your gut, have a safety plan and continue to enjoy the water with your family safely.”
As you learn more about water safety, it’s vital to share that information with other adults. Williamson noted that being an advocate for water safety can prevent tragedies and create a culture of safety in our communities.
One of the most common barriers for swim safety for children is lack of access to community resources around the water. Diventures is closing that gap through offering swim lessons for all ages, at various locations around the country. Diventures also offers free water safety presentations with the American Red Cross. Through this partnership, Diventures has brought water safety education to preschools, middle schools and public libraries all across the country.
While there’s power in education, Williamson reminds us:
“Swim lessons don’t replace adequate adult supervision or the need for life jackets, but enrolling in swim lessons can assist in building the foundational skills necessary to continue to have fun in and around the water.”
