11 Swimming Safety Tips to Follow This Summer

“The strongest layers of drowning prevention are active supervision, swimming where lifeguards are present, never swimming alone, and learning to swim at the earliest appropriate age,” says Bernard J. Fisher II, the director of health and safety for the American Lifeguard Association in Vienna, Virginia.

Here are some of the top swimming safety tips to keep in mind this summer.

1. Do Your Research on Your Swimming Location

Many public pools and beaches will share lifeguard hours online and note if there isn’t one on duty. “Before families leave for the pool, lake, or beach, they should check whether a lifeguard will be on duty,” Fisher says. “Choosing a guarded location is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce risk."

If you do go to a spot without a lifeguard, it’s better to choose a pool or beach that is familiar to you, where you think even the weakest swimmers in your group can wade into the water safely.

“Know the particulars of each type of aquatic area you want to use,” says William Ramos, PhD, a member of the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council and the director of the Aquatics Institute at Indiana University in Bloomington. “For example, with open water spaces, someone should understand the impact that waves, currents, sandbars, and rip currents can have on safety,” Dr. Ramos adds.

2. If There’s No Lifeguard on Duty, Pick the Pool

Compared with the seaside or a lake, it’s easier for supervising adults to spot a swimmer in distress at a pool, Fisher says. Also, there will often be markers to indicate how deep the water is, so less-confident swimmers can stay where it’s shallow.

“A pool is not risk-free, but it is generally a more controlled environment than open water. Depth markers, clearer visibility, and the absence of waves, currents, and changing bottom conditions can reduce some of the unknowns that contribute to drowning incidents,” Fisher says.

3. Be Prepared for an Emergency Before You Hit the Water

Look around to see what lifesaving equipment is available to use, such as a ring buoy or reaching pole, Ramos recommends.

Know who in your group can do CPR, and who has a phone to call for help.

The Red Cross has a Chain of Drowning Survival guide with step-by-step instructions for identifying and responding to a swimmer in distress; review it before you go to the pool or the beach.

4. Pack Life Jackets in Your Beach or Pool Bag

It’s a good idea for everyone, especially nonswimmers or weaker swimmers, to wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard when entering the water, no matter how calm or shallow the conditions may appear, experts say. “Relying on any kind of non–U.S. Coast Guard–approved flotation device can lead to a false sense of security. These types of recreational products that are attached to the swimmer can fail, and those not attached can float away, leaving the person in trouble,” Ramos says.

5. Don’t Count on Water Wings to Keep Kids Safe

Parents need to know that lots of products pitched as aids for kids in the water really won’t help, says Gary Smith, MD, DrPH, the director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

“Water wings and pool noodles are toys — not drowning prevention devices,” Smith says. Especially in the ocean, the wind and current can carry kids offshore or lure them into deeper water to chase a toy that got away.

“Floatable toys should be used by those who are capable to be in areas of the water safely without them,” Ramos adds.

6. Follow Any Posted Water Safety Rules

Signs at most public pools and beaches will point you to designated swimming areas and warn you about specific dangers, whether it’s a pool too shallow for diving or an ocean beach with strong currents or riptides, says Ramos.

These posted rules are meant to be followed even when there’s no lifeguard on duty; they’re in place to prevent injuries. And don’t enter the water during hours when pools or beaches are closed or after dark, Smith adds.

7. Don’t Dive — It’s Not Worth the Risk of Serious Injury

Even if this rule isn’t clearly posted on any signs, don’t enter the water headfirst, even if you think you know the area, Ramos says. The risk of head, neck, and spinal cord injuries is just too great, and it’s always safer to jump in feet first or just walk into the water if that’s an option.

“In the case of open water spaces, with currents and tides, the bottom will not be the same as the last time you used it,” Ramos says.

8. Appoint a Water Watcher

This is a good idea all the time, but especially when there’s no lifeguard working. Appoint an adult to stay out of the water on the beach or the pool deck, keeping a close eye on everyone who is swimming at all times.

“A water watcher has one job: Watch the swimmers,” Fisher says. That means no phone, no alcohol, no side conversations, and no distractions until another responsible adult takes over.”

“For young children and weak swimmers, supervision means being within arm’s reach,” he adds. “Not nearby, not across the pool, but close enough to respond immediately.”

Water watchers can take turns, but when they’re on duty, watching is supposed to be their only focus. “Although it may seem extreme for adults, the water watcher concept is still the best plan,” Ramos notes.

9. Use the Buddy System

Adults and teens: Swim in groups or pairs, so that no one is ever in the water alone, Smith advises.

For young children — especially kids who aren’t strong swimmers — their buddy should be an adult who is never more than an arm’s length away, Fisher says.

10. Be Aware of Rip Currents

If you’re swimming at the beach, you may encounter a powerful ocean current called a rip current. When waves break and recede, they sometimes form fast-moving channels pulling excess water (and any swimmers in that water) out to sea.

“Rip currents don’t pull people under — they pull people away from shore,” Fisher explains. Although your first instinct may be to fight the current to get back to shore, it’s important not to try to swim directly against a rip current. This can waste precious energy you’ll need to escape.”

11. Know Your Limits, and Don’t Overdo It

Don’t push yourself to the max to do more laps faster than you ever have before, or urge your child to master new skills like swimming the entire length of the pool on their own. And don’t push your limits just to show off or keep up with your friends and family.

“Be honest with yourself about your swimming ability and don’t feel pressure to hide it from others if it’s not up to the level of others you’re swimming with,” Ramos says. “Overextending yourself to keep up with others can lead to trouble.”

Parents also need to refrain from pushing kids to swim. “If they aren’t comfortable getting in the water, don’t force them,” Smith says. “If they start to look tired or tell you they need a break, have them get out of the water and rest.” Also, keep in mind that signs of distress can sometimes be silent and quick.

Looking to become a stronger swimmer? Check your local YMCA or search the American Red Cross class listings to find swim lessons for people of all ages and abilities.