Every summer, we hear story after heartbreaking story of children drowning in private pools.
A toddler wandered into a backyard pool. A child slipped under the water while adults were nearby. Family and friends are left devastated, asking how something so unthinkable could happen so quickly.
As difficult as it is to say, we need to face an uncomfortable truth: swimming is not a necessity. It is a privilege and a recreational activity. If we choose to take our children swimming, we are also choosing to accept the enormous responsibility that comes with it.
Drowning is one of the few tragedies that is almost always preventable.
Many people imagine drowning as loud splashing and desperate cries for help. In reality, drowning is usually silent. It can happen in seconds. A child can disappear beneath the surface while adults are talking, looking at their phones, grilling dinner, or assuming someone else is watching.
“Someone else is watching” has cost far too many children their lives.
If you’re going to swim with children at a private pool, there should either be a lifeguard, or one adult whose only job is to watch the water—every second.
Not chatting. Not eating. Not scrolling. Not running inside for a towel. Watching the pool with the same level of focus a professional lifeguard would.
It isn’t fair to expect one person to supervise the grill, greet guests, take care of a baby, carry on conversations, and also keep children safe in the water. Drowning doesn’t wait until it’s convenient.
Yes, hiring a lifeguard costs money. Yes, designating a “water watcher” means someone must give up part of their time relaxing, socializing, or enjoying the afternoon to keep constant watch over the pool.
But compared to the unimaginable cost of losing a child, those sacrifices are insignificant.
None of this is written to judge families who have experienced this nightmare. They have already suffered more than anyone should ever have to endure. It is written because every one of these tragedies should make the rest of us stop and ask, “What can I do differently so it never happens to my child—or anyone else’s?”
If sharing this message prevents even one drowning, it will have been worth saying.
Our children deserve nothing less than our complete attention around the water. Every second. Every time.
Anonymous
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