Summer Water Safety – Tips from Your One Medical Team

Ah, summer. That magical time when school’s out, sunscreen’s in, and every person you know is begging to hit the water. As your local primary care crew, we love seeing you get outside with your friends, family and soak up the sun — but we also know what can go wrong when water fun takes a downside turn. So, let’s have a real conversation about water safety. Not the boring lecture kind — just the stuff that actually keeps you and your loved ones safe, happy, and back for your next wellness visit.

You’d be surprised how many times we hear, “I only turned away for a minute.” Yup, that’s all it takes. Drowning is fast and silent, not the thrashing, screaming scene you see in movies. And it happens to strong swimmers, too — not just toddlers or “daredevil” kids.

Stat check: For kids ages 1 to 4, drowning is the number one cause of accidental death. That’s not to scare you — it’s to convince you that a little extra vigilance is more than worth it.

Here’s your golden rule: If kids are in or near water, someone needs to be the Water Watcher. Not the “sort-of-listening-while-texting” watcher, but the “eyes-up, phone-down, I’ll-check-my-social media-later” watcher. Trade off with another adult every 30 minutes so everyone gets a break, but never assume “someone else is watching.”

If your child can’t swim? Consider signing them up for lessons — and don’t wait until next summer. Check your local neighborhood aquatic centers for swimming lessons. Pro tip: Adults, if you’re not a confident swimmer, you’re not alone. It is estimated that half of all Americans can’t swim or don’t have basic swimming skills. Lessons exist for adults, too. No shame in the swim game.

And don’t forget, swimming in a pool and swimming in a lake (or ocean) are two totally different beasts. Currents, cold, and hidden hazards make open water way trickier. Practice in the environment where you’ll be hanging out.

Think life jackets are only for little ones? Nope. If you’re boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or just hanging out near open water, everyone — yes, even the “I’m basically an Olympian Swimmer” types — needs a snug, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Sorry, those inflatable arm floaties are cute, but they’re not lifesavers.

Got a pool at home? Fencing is a lifesaver. Four feet high, self-latching gate, and no propping it open “just for a minute.” Pool toys out when you’re done (so curious little ones aren’t tempted), and empty those kiddie pools after every use. Even a couple inches of water is enough to cause real trouble.

Storm rolling in? Don’t risk it. The water will still be there after the lightning passes. Rule: If you can hear thunder, you can get struck — even if the storm looks far away.

Here’s a sneaky one: you can still get dehydrated and sunburned while swimming. In fact, water reflects sunlight, so you burn faster. Reapply sunscreen every two hours (or after you towel off), and make sure everyone’s actually drinking water.

Forget Hollywood — real drowning is quiet. Watch for kids who look like they’re climbing a ladder, bobbing, or just hanging with their mouth at water level. If something looks “off,” it probably is. Trust your gut.

• Swim skills for everyone (lessons are always in season)
• Life-jackets for every open water adventure
• A dedicated Water Watcher, every single time
• Fenced-in pools, locked gates, empty kiddie pools
• Sunscreen and real hydration (ice cream doesn’t count, sorry)
• Emergency plan and at least one adult who knows CPR

We want you to have the kind of summer where the wildest story is about the world’s best cannonball — not a trip to the emergency room. If you’ve got questions about water safety, sunburn, first aid, or anything else, give us a call. That’s what we’re here for.

So grab your towels, your sunscreen, and — yes — the fashionable, and essential, life-jackets. Have fun out there. We’ll see you for your next checkup, not a water mishap.

Stay safe. Stay smart. And cannonball responsibly.