Summer Water Safety: Promoting Safe and Healthy Recreation for Everyone
Community Service Board of Middle Georgia (CSBMG)
As temperatures rise and families begin enjoying beaches, lakes, pools, splash parks, and other aquatic activities, water safety becomes an important part of protecting health and wellbeing. Summer water activities can provide individuals and families with opportunities for exercise, relaxation, social connection, and improved mental health. However, participating in water recreation also requires awareness, preparation, and safety planning to reduce risks and prevent emergencies.
Water-based activities can offer many physical and emotional benefits for individuals of all ages and abilities. According to the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD), activities such as swimming, floating, water aerobics, and aquatic exercise can improve heart and lung function, strengthen motor skills and coordination, support healthy weight management, and reduce pressure on joints and muscles. Water activities may also promote independence, improve social wellbeing, and positively impact mental health by encouraging physical movement and social engagement (DBHDD, 2026).
Despite these benefits, many individuals lack basic swimming and water safety skills. The American Red Cross reported that approximately 54% of Americans either cannot swim or do not possess the basic swimming abilities necessary to remain safe in aquatic environments (American Red Cross, n.d.). This statistic highlights the importance of education, supervision, and preparation when participating in water activities.
Water safety begins with planning ahead and understanding how to respond in emergencies. Families and caregivers are encouraged to develop water safety plans before visiting pools, lakes, or beaches. Knowing the signs of distress and drowning can help prevent serious incidents. Drowning is often quiet and may not resemble the dramatic scenes frequently portrayed in television or movies. Individuals who are struggling in the water may be unable to call for help or wave their arms effectively.
The American Red Cross recommends creating multiple layers of protection around water activities. These protections may include physical barriers such as pool fences, alarms, locked gates, and direct line-of-sight supervision. Children and vulnerable individuals should never be left unattended near water, even for a brief moment. Designating a “water watcher” who avoids distractions such as cell phones or conversations can help ensure continuous supervision (American Red Cross, n.d.).
Using properly fitted life jackets is another important safety measure, especially for boating activities or for individuals with limited swimming ability. Life-saving equipment such as rescue floats, reaching poles, and flotation devices should also remain accessible in aquatic areas. Families are encouraged to educate children and loved ones on how to call for help and signal distress if an emergency occurs.
Swimming with a buddy system is strongly encouraged, as swimming alone increases the risk of unnoticed emergencies. When visiting public pools, lakes, or splash parks, individuals should identify the location of lifeguards and review safety rules before entering the water. In addition, caregivers and supervisors should avoid alcohol or drug use while participating in or supervising water activities, as impairment can significantly increase the risk of accidents and delayed emergency response.
Learning CPR and basic emergency response skills can also save lives during water-related emergencies. The American Red Cross encourages parents and caregivers to become familiar with water rescue strategies such as “reach or throw, don’t go,” which helps prevent additional individuals from becoming endangered during rescue attempts (American Red Cross, n.d.).
At CSBMG, promoting community wellness includes encouraging safe recreational opportunities that support both physical and mental health. Summer activities can create meaningful opportunities for exercise, family connection, stress reduction, and community engagement when proper safety measures are followed. Through education, preparedness, and awareness, individuals and families can enjoy the benefits of water recreation while reducing the risk of injury and tragedy.
Additional water safety resources, online courses, and educational materials are available through the American Red Cross Water Safety Resource Center.
References
American Red Cross Water Safety Resource Center
American Red Cross. (n.d.). Water safety. American Red Cross.
Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. (2026). Summer safety reminders: Water safety tips. DBHDD.