As families dive into summer fun and the swim season begins, it’s the ideal time to review precautions to keep everyone safe. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in the U.S.—but with proactive measures, the risk can be significantly reduced. Staying vigilant around any body of water is crucial, especially around private pools, where nearly a quarter of these deaths occur during family gatherings.
Ryann Leonard Grossbard, daughter of supermarket CEO Stew Leonard Jr., is the executive director of the Stewie the Duck Swim School in Norwalk, which has a mission to “save a life, one lesson at a time.” The school’s profits support the Stewie Leonard III Water Safety Foundation that was founded in 1990 in memory of Ryann’s brother, Stewie, who sadly drowned at 21 months old. “You never think it can happen to you,” Grossbard says. “There were eight adults around and my mom and my dad didn’t know where Stewie was for a split second; they have made it their mission to spread awareness for water safety.” The foundation works to educate the public about water safety, train lifeguards, and provide free or low-cost swim lessons. “There is so much joy around water, kids love the pool and love swimming, and we really want people to think about water safety,” says Grossbard.
Tips From the Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation for Minimizing Danger
Assign a Water Watcher
Always designate an adult to actively watch children who are near a body of water. Avoid using cell phones or socializing when you are the watcher.
Use Coast Guard-Approved Life Jackets
Even if kids know how to swim, they should wear a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jacket around pools, lakes, and beaches, and anytime they’re near open water; life jackets can be purchased at sporting goods stores or online.
Teach Water Competency
A child can begin swim lessons as early as six months old to build water confidence and gain lifesaving skills like learning to float on her back.
Rules Around Water
Enforce essential safety rules such as “Don’t jump in until you know how to swim,” “Always wear a life jacket,” and “Never go near the water without an adult’s permission.”
Additional Lessons
Young kids can learn key safety rules through resources like songs, books, and toys.
Safety Zone
Although most states require an approved, minimum four-foot fence with a self-latching gate to fully enclose a pool and/or a pool cover, the Foundation still feels that educating children on water safety is critical because fences and pool covers are not infallible.
Advice From the CDC for the Beach
Use the Buddy System
Children should always swim with a buddy, which is especially true for those with seizure disorders or other medical conditions that increase their risk of drowning.
Look for Lifeguards
Choose swimming sites that have lifeguards when possible and watch your child even if there is a lifeguard present.
Check the Environment and the Weather
Lakes, rivers, and oceans can have hidden hazards such as potentially dangerous currents or waves, rocks, vegetation, and limited visibility.
