Water Smarts: Sharing Summer Swim Safety With Neighbors

When the weather warms up, people across Massachusetts and New England head for the water: ocean beaches, harbor coves, freshwater ponds, lakes, rivers and public pools. Swimming is one of summer’s great joys, and it is also an area where a few simple habits can prevent tragedy. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, often without splashing or shouting. Sharing basic water safety with family, friends and neighbors is one of the most caring things a community can do before the season gets busy.

The Core Habits

These common-sense practices are widely recommended by water safety educators:

• Swim where lifeguards are on duty whenever possible, and follow their instructions.
• Never swim alone. Use a buddy system, even for strong swimmers.
• Actively watch children. Stay within arm’s reach of young kids and new swimmers.
• Use properly fitted life jackets for boating and for weak swimmers, especially in open water.
• Enter unknown water feet first. Depth and hidden objects are hard to judge.
• Know your limits. Cold water, currents and fatigue can affect even experienced swimmers.
• Avoid alcohol when swimming, boating or supervising children.

Be a “Water Watcher”

At gatherings near water, it is easy for every adult to assume someone else is watching the kids. One simple fix is to designate a “water watcher”: a specific adult whose only job, for a set period, is to watch swimmers. That person:

1. Keeps eyes on the water the whole time.
2. Puts the phone away and avoids long conversations.
3. Stays sober and alert.
4. Hands off the role clearly to the next adult, usually every 15 to 30 minutes.

Some families use a bright lanyard or wristband to mark who is on duty. It is a small step that keeps attention from drifting.

What Drowning Can Look Like

Many people expect a drowning person to wave and shout. In reality, someone in trouble may be unable to call for help. Signs can include:

• Head low in the water, tilted back with mouth at water level
• Bobbing up and down without moving forward
• Trying to swim but not making progress
• Glassy or unfocused eyes
• A swimmer who suddenly goes quiet

If you are unsure, ask, “Are you okay?” If they cannot answer, alert a lifeguard or call 911 immediately.

Reach or Throw, Don’t Go

Untrained rescuers can become victims themselves. If someone is struggling and no lifeguard is present:

• Call for help and have someone call 911.
• Reach with a pole, branch, towel or anything long, while staying stable on shore or the dock.
• Throw something that floats: a life ring, cooler, ball or empty jug.
• Avoid going in yourself unless you are trained. If you must, take a flotation device.

Ocean-Specific Tips

New England’s coast has its own conditions:

• Cold water: Ocean water can stay cold well into summer, which can tire swimmers quickly. Ease in and limit time if you get chilled.
• Rip currents: These narrow currents flow away from shore. If caught, stay calm, float, and swim parallel to the shore to escape the current, then swim back at an angle. Signal for help if needed.
• Tides: Rising tides can strand people on sandbars or rocks. Check tide times before exploring.
• Posted flags and signs: Learn what they mean at your beach and follow them, including any closures for water quality.

Pond, Lake and River Tips

• Freshwater can have drop-offs, weeds and limited visibility.
• Rivers may have currents that are stronger than they appear.
• Check for posted advisories, including water quality warnings that sometimes close freshwater swimming areas.
• Wear water shoes in areas with rocks or debris.

Pool and Backyard Safety

• Keep pools fenced and gates latched when not in use.
• Remove toys from the pool after swimming so kids are not tempted to reach for them.
• Empty kiddie pools and buckets after use. Small children can drown in very little water.
• Keep a phone and basic rescue equipment near the pool.

Help Kids Build Skills

Swimming lessons help children and adults become more comfortable and capable in the water. Many communities offer lessons through recreation departments, community pools or local programs, sometimes at low or no cost. Ask your city or town recreation office, or check with your library for information. Remember that lessons add a layer of protection but do not replace supervision.

Learn CPR

CPR training gives bystanders the confidence to act in an emergency. Many community organizations, hospitals and fire departments periodically offer classes. Consider organizing a group of neighbors to take a class together before summer gets busy.

How Neighbors Can Spread Water Safety

• Share a simple “water watcher” card with families at block events.
• Offer to lend extra life jackets to friends heading to the lake, in proper sizes.
• Remind backyard pool owners to latch gates when kids are around.
• Post information about local swim lessons in your neighborhood group.
• Model good habits yourself at the beach and the pool.

A Family Water Safety Checklist

• Choose lifeguarded areas when possible.
• Assign a water watcher at every outing.
• Pack properly fitted life jackets for boating and weak swimmers.
• Check tides, weather and posted advisories.
• Bring sunscreen, water and shade.
• Know the location and address so you can call for help quickly.

A summer full of swimming memories starts with a few habits that keep everyone safe. Share them generously.