Making a Splash Safely: Essential Water Safety Tips for Utah Families
July 5, 2026
Summer in Utah means beautiful days spent splashing in backyard pools, cooling off in local splash pads, or taking family trips to destinations like Utah Lake, Deer Creek, or Jordanelle Reservoir.
Water play is an amazing way for kids to stay active, but as pediatricians, safety is always our top priority. Drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4 nationwide (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2026). Because drowning happens quickly and is almost always completely silent—unlike the loud splashing we see in movies—building multiple "layers of protection" is the best way to keep your little ones safe (Shenoi et al., 2026).
Here is how you can ensure your family stays safe while making memories around the water this season:
1. Practice "Touch Supervision" and Assign a Water Watcher
Whether it's a crowded community pool or a backyard wading pool, nothing replaces the eyes of a focused adult.
Touch Supervision: For infants, toddlers, and weak swimmers, an adult should always be in the water within arm's length (HealthyChildren.org, 2026). If you need to step away for even a moment, the child needs to come with you.
The "Water Watcher" System: During backyard BBQs or pool parties, it's easy to assume someone else is looking. Formally designate one adult as the "Water Watcher" for a 15-to-20-minute shift. This person puts away their phone, avoids chatting, and focuses 100% on the kids in the water before handing the duty to the next adult.
2. Ditch the "Floaties" for USCG-Approved Life Jackets
Inflatable arm bands, water wings, and plastic pool noodles are fun toys, but they are not safety devices. They can easily deflate or slip off, giving both parents and children a false sense of security.
When swimming in lakes, rivers, or open water, children should always wear a properly fitted life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG).
Weak or non-swimmers should also wear them at pools and water parks.
3. Secure Backyard Pools and Water Hazards
If you have a residential pool, hot tub, or even a temporary inflatable pool, securing the perimeter is vital to prevent unauthorized access.
Install Four-Sided Fencing: Ensure your pool is completely surrounded by a fence at least 4 feet high that isolates the pool from the house and yard (CDC, 2026). The gate should be self-closing and self-latching.
Empty Small Containers Instantly: Toddlers are top-heavy and incredibly curious; they can drown in as little as 2 inches of water (HealthyChildren.org, 2026). Always empty wading pools, buckets, coolers with melted ice, and water tables immediately after use, and store them upside down.
4. Enroll in Swimming Lessons
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting swim lessons for children after their first birthday (Shenoi et al., 2026). Learning basic water competency skills—like floating, treading water, and finding a way out of the pool—greatly reduces drowning risks.
However, remember that swim lessons make kids safer, not "drown-proof." Constant supervision is still required.
5. Be Prepared and Learn CPR
When a water emergency happens, every second counts. Knowing how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) while waiting for emergency services can be life-saving. We highly recommend that parents, grandparents, and teenage babysitters take a local certification course through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
By layering these strategies together, you can create a secure environment for your kids to build confidence in the water. Have a happy, fun, and safe summer!
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2026). Drowning prevention & summer swim safety guidelines. CDC Center for Injury Prevention and Control.(Article Here
HealthyChildren.org. (2026). Drowning prevention for curious toddlers: What parents need to know. American Academy of Pediatrics Safety Portal.(Article Here)
Shenoi, R. P., Fromkin, J. B., & Schneider, H. D. (2026). Prevention of drowning. Pediatrics, 157(3), e20261432.(Article Here)