The season of popsicles, sunscreen, cannonballs, and afternoons spent cooling off in the pool is finally here! For children, water play is one of the greatest joys of summer. Whether it’s beach days, pool parties, or sprinklers in the backyard, water creates lasting memories for families and friends. Living in Brentwood, we are lucky to have access to it all, not just during summer, but all year round.
Before we get wrapped up in summer fun, it’s also the perfect time for parents and caregivers to refresh themselves on an important topic: water safety.
The good news? Most water-related accidents are preventable with awareness, supervision, and a few simple habits.
Drowning Can Happen Quickly and Quietly
Drowning is the leading cause of injury death in US children ages 1 to 4 years and the third leading cause of unintentional injury death among 5 to 19 year olds.
One of the biggest misconceptions about drowning is that it looks dramatic — splashing, yelling, or calling for help. In reality, drowning is often silent and can happen in less than a minute.
Young children are especially vulnerable; accidents can occur even in shallow water. That’s why active supervision is the single most important layer of protection.
The “Water Watcher” Rule
At gatherings and pool parties, adults often assume someone else is watching the children. Instead, designate one responsible adult as the official “Water Watcher” for a set amount of time.
(Submitted by Lily M Marouf)
The Water Watcher should:
- Stay off their phone
- Avoid distractions
- Keep eyes on the water at all times
- Remain within arm’s reach of younger children
This simple strategy dramatically improves supervision.
Our Family Rule
My husband and I have three children, and when they were younger, we had one important family rule around water: we never allowed ourselves to be outnumbered by children who were not water-safe. Each child always had a dedicated adult watching them within arms reach. As our older children became stronger swimmers, we continued assigning each parent a specific child to supervise and would intentionally “tag out” when needed. Having a clear plan helped us feel more relaxed and allowed us to focus on enjoying quality family time together.
Swim Lessons Save Lives
Swim lessons help improve confidence, coordination, and safety awareness.
Remember:
- Floaties and inflatable toys are not safety devices
- Coast Guard-approved life jackets are best for boating activities
- Even strong swimmers should be supervised
Backyard Pool Safety Matters
Pediatricians recommend:
- A four-sided fence with a self-latching gate
- Pool alarms when possible
- Removing toys from the water after swimming so children are not tempted to reach for them
- Rescue equipment nearby
(Submitted by Lily M Marouf)
And don’t forget: always check the pool first if a child is missing.
Safety Beyond the Pool
A few reminders:
- Empty kiddie pools after use
- Never leave young children unattended in the bathtub
- Be cautious of ocean and lake conditions
- Apply sunscreen and encourage hydration
Summer should be filled with laughter, sunshine, and happy memories — with a little preparation, families can enjoy the water more safely all season long!
(Submitted by Lily M Marouf)
Lily M. Marouf, M.D., F.A.A.P is a pediatrician at Pacific Ocean Pediatrics and a Brentwood resident. Learn more at pacificoceanpediatrics.com/
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