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Drowning is fast, silent—and preventable. As summer unfolds, make sure water safety is top of mind for your family. We spoke with two local experts (and moms!) about the life-saving habits every parent should know. From swim lessons to supervision tips, this is guidance every caregiver needs before heading to the pool, lake, or beach.
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As temperatures rise and summer fun kicks off, it’s no surprise that families are heading to pools, lakes, and beaches to cool down and create lasting memories. But water fun comes with serious risk, especially for young children. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause for children ages 5 to 14 (CDC). These numbers highlight why a proactive approach to water safety is critical for families, not only during the summer months, but all year long.
We asked our Connected Health Physician Assistant and Paramedic, Alana Pantely, PA-C and Courtney Artisti, certified lifeguard instructor for Ellis & Associates ILTP and Assistant General Manager of Goldfish Swim School in Wexford, to share their top insights. As both experts and moms, they provided invaluable guidance for parents this season.
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It’s a devastating statistic, but one that should motivate us to take every precaution: children can drown in as little as 2 inches of water, and it can happen in seconds—without a sound.
Supervision is the single most important layer of protection. Whether you're at the pool, the lake, or even just the backyard with a kiddie pool, a responsible adult should always be designated as the “lifeguard” on duty—even if a professional lifeguard is present. That supervision must be focused and distraction-free (yes, that means putting the phone down!). A child can slip underwater in the time it takes to grab a drink.
But supervision isn’t the only tool we have. Formal swimming lessons have been shown to reduce the risk of drowning by 88% in children ages 1–4. Teaching children how to float, tread water, and safely exit a pool builds confidence and skills that could save their life.
Water wings, puddle jumpers, and inflatable floaties may be fun, but they can create a false sense of security—for both children and adults. These devices are not a substitute for swimming ability or active supervision. Young children who regularly wear flotation devices may begin to believe they can swim or stay afloat on their own, when they cannot. This can lead them to take risks, venture into deeper water, or panic if the device slips off or is removed.
“It’s nice to have fun with family and friends at the pool on a hot summer day, but drowning is silent and it is fast,” said Artisti. “Learning something as simple as floating on your back is something that can save your child’s life.”
Learning to swim is essential, but it doesn’t eliminate the risk of drowning. Even strong swimmers can get tired, disoriented, or caught in currents. Children should always be closely supervised in or around any body of water.
The color of a swimsuit can make a huge difference in how visible someone is in the water. Opt for neon or brightly colored swimwear, especially in natural bodies of water where visibility is lower. Avoid blues, greens, and other shades that can blend in with the water.
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Swim lessons are one of the best investments you can make in your child’s safety. But consistency is key. Dropping lessons for a few months in the summer can lead to regression.
“Swimming recreationally vs. structured lessons are two very different things,” said Artisti. “The consistency of the swim strokes and water safety skills every week are something that can actually disappear during recreational swimming if you do not keep practicing.”
She added, “Regression is something we see too much of when kids leave the program for just a few months in the summer. Swim lessons are seen by many as an extracurricular activity—but it’s the only activity that can save your child’s life.”
At Goldfish “All kids start out the same, learning what to do if they fall into a body of water and they cannot get out,” said Artisti. “We want these kids to learn to float on their back, how to learn breath control, and how to get back to the closest wall (the one they fell off of). They learn all of these things through the Science of Swim Play.”
No single safety measure is foolproof, but when combined, they create a strong defense. Key layers include swim lessons, close and constant supervision when around water, pool fences, safety covers, alarms, and CPR training. Each layer plays a critical role — and together, they form a powerful defense. Just like a seatbelt, sunscreen, or smoke detector, water safety works best when it's built into your routine.
Even toddlers can learn basic safety techniques like floating on their backs, finding the wall, and yelling for help. Reinforce these during bath time, at the pool, and during lessons.
In an emergency, knowing how to respond can make all the difference. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) helps keep blood and oxygen circulating until emergency help arrives—and it’s a life-saving skill every parent, caregiver, and pool owner should have.
Alana Pantely, Connected Health physician assistant and paramedic, shares this important reminder: “As a paramedic, I recommend that all adult family members/caregivers and older children get CPR certified. Certification is typically renewed every two years. One of the strongest predictors of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is high-quality CPR. These courses also teach you how to respond to choking emergencies, making them invaluable in a crisis.”
Many local organizations like the American Red Cross and American Heart Association offer CPR classes both online and in-person. If you have a pool at home or spend time near water, getting certified is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones.
We’re proud to collaborate on the topic of water safety with Goldfish Swim School in Wexford. They offer swim lessons for children ages 4 months to 12 years old in a fun, safe, and nurturing environment. Their trained instructors use a confidence-building curriculum that helps kids become strong, safer swimmers at every age and stage.
If you're local, this is a great opportunity to get your child comfortable in the water and reinforce good safety habits early.
When researching swim schools, look for small class sizes, certified lifeguards, a curriculum that prioritizes water safety, and instructors who work well with kids.
Goldfish Swim School has been serving the Wexford community for over 11 years, with a mission to make—and keep—swimmers safer in and around the water.
They offer:
If a situation feels unsafe—speak up. Whether it’s at a public pool, party, or beach outing, you are your child’s best advocate. Don’t be afraid to ask about lifeguards, swim levels, or rules.
“As a Goldfish mom myself of a 4-and 1-year-old, this program works,” said Artisti. “I believe in it—not just as an employee, but as a mom. If you stick with it, it could save your child’s life.”
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