Summer is a season families look forward to all year: long days, warm weather and endless opportunities to be outdoors. But with that freedom comes responsibility, especially when around water safety. As a board-certified pediatrician at Kaiser Permanente, I see firsthand how quickly preventable accidents can happen. My goal is to help families enjoy summer with the right safety habits.
Start swim lessons early
Drowning is the leading cause of death of children ages 1-4. Research shows that teaching kids to swim early can help prevent drowning.
One of the most important messages I share with parents is that children can begin swimming lessons as early as 6 months old. Early exposure builds comfort, familiarity and foundational safety skills. Summer swim classes fill up quickly; fall and winter lessons are excellent options, and the wait lists are usually shorter.
Swim lessons at private companies can be pricey; check out swim classes offered by cities and counties for rates that often are lower.
For parents who have never learned to swim themselves, I emphasize that it’s never too late. Many of the parents I work with immigrated from countries where swimming wasn’t a priority or accessible. I tell them what I tell everyone: It’s never too late to learn how to swim. I learned in my 30s! Learning together as a family can be empowering and fun.
Why a “designated watcher” saves lives
Whether you’re at a community pool, a friend’s backyard or a lake, the most important layer of protection is active supervision. Drowning is fast and silent and often occurs when adults assume someone else is watching the kids.
That’s why every gathering near water needs a designated watcher: one adult whose only job is to keep eyes on the children in the water. Ideally, the designated watcher would not be drinking alcohol or looking at a phone.
Closed-loop communication — explicitly stating who is responsible for which children — prevents dangerous assumptions.
And remember: Lifeguards are a backup, not a substitute, for parental supervision.
Flotation devices are helpful
Life jackets and flotation devices add a layer of safety, especially for young or inexperienced swimmers. But they do not replace supervision. They should be used in addition to a designated watcher, not instead of one.
I also encourage parents to understand what real swim competence looks like. I don’t ask children: “Do you know how to swim?” Instead, I ask: “If you accidentally ended up in deep water, could you tread water or float on your back for 10 minutes?” That’s the true safety benchmark.
Teens need water safety reminders, too
We often think of toddlers when we talk about drowning, but teens are also at risk, especially when substances are involved. Teens need clear expectations: no alcohol, no drugs, and always swim with supervision or a buddy.
Beyond the pool: Other summer safety essentials
Tick and mosquito protection
Our region is endemic for Lyme disease, and summer hikes and backyard play increase exposure. The best protection includes:
- Light-colored, long-sleeved clothing
- Tick-specific repellents (not all insect repellents protect against ticks)
- Spraying clothing, hats and exposed skin
- Head-to-toe tick checks after outdoor activities
- Look in and behind the ears, in the groin area, behind the knees and under the arms. If you find a tick, remove it right away. Also remember to inspect pets, clothing and camping gear.
Ticks that transmit Lyme must be attached for 36 hours or more to pose a significant risk. The deer tick is the one we worry about most in the DMV. If you find a tick embedded, seek help removing it properly so the head doesn’t remain in the skin.
Mosquitoes bring their own risks, including West Nile virus. Avoid areas with stagnant water, where mosquitoes breed, and use repellents consistently. Natural citronella-based products may help with mosquitoes but don’t work well against ticks, so choose products based on what you’re protecting against.
Sun safety: Every day, even when overcast
Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or higher, and pediatric dermatologists often prefer mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for children. Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outdoors – even on cloudy days – and reapply every 60-90 minutes, especially during water play or heavy sweating.
Sun-protective clothing helps but isn’t enough on its own. And infants need extra caution: they should stay in the shade, wear hats and avoid direct sun exposure.
Try to limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Hydration: Water is good, electrolytes are better
Kids are active in the summer, and hydration needs vary based on heat, activity and environment. Water is fine, but electrolyte solutions without added sugar are even better. Many pre-made sports drinks contain unnecessary sugar, so check labels carefully.
The best indicator of hydration? Urine color. It should be clear or light yellow.
Helmets for bikes, scooters and more
Helmets are essential for bikes, scooters, hoverboards and skateboards, even for kids who feel confident. A helmet must fit well and be worn every time. Head injuries in kids can be devastating.
Neighborhood safety: Watch the roads
Summer means kids playing outside, often near driveways and streets. Just as with water, supervision matters. Designate an adult to keep an eye on children playing near roads.
Layered safety makes summer fun
Every strategy I’ve shared — swim lessons, designated watchers, flotation devices, sunscreen, hydration, helmets, insect protection — is part of what I call layers of safety. No single measure is perfect but combined, children will be protected from preventable summer-related injuries and health problems.
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Dipanwita Saha, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician with the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group. She sees patients at the Kaiser Permanente Columbia Gateway Medical Center.
