Summer "Dipping In" Safely—No Risk of Drowning: Experts Offer Tips to Prevent Summer Pool and Water Accidents

Summer weather is hot and humid, making swimming the top choice for many as a refreshing and fun way to beat the heat. Not only does it provide instant relief from the warmth, but it’s also a full-body aerobic activity that helps improve cardiovascular fitness, tone your physique, and ease stress. With summer in full swing, countless people are heading to beaches and rivers to enjoy the pleasures—and health benefits—of swimming and water play. Yet, while soaking up the sun and splashing around, safety and health considerations should never be overlooked.

Adhere to safety regulations, strengthen safety education

Summer vacation is a peak season for drowning incidents, making children and adolescents' swimming safety a major concern. Recently, the National Health Commission held a press conference on "Seasonal Changes and Health," focusing on the Da Shu solar term. During the event, Dr. Duan Leilei, a researcher at the China CDC, provided valuable insights and guidance on the safety and health aspects of swimming activities.

She reminded parents to take their children to official swimming areas that are properly licensed and equipped with lifeguards. When swimming in pools, it’s essential to familiarize yourself beforehand with the locations of deep and shallow zones, warm up thoroughly, and avoid entering the water on an empty or full stomach—or immediately after intense physical activity.

Duan Leilei emphasized: "When swimming at the seaside beach, everyone should pay close attention to weather conditions, water temperature, and tidal changes. Avoid swimming during high or low tides, as well as during periods when the weather or water temperature is unsuitable. At the same time, make sure to check the beach's safety facilities and lifeguard locations, and strictly follow the venue's management rules. Additionally, when boarding a boat or participating in water-based recreational activities like rafting, always wear your life jacket properly throughout the entire experience. If sudden extreme weather occurs, evacuate immediately—never take chances."

Liu Hanlin, the squad leader of the Qingdao Detachment of the National Water Rescue Team, explains that if someone is drowning in the ocean, "quietly floating" is the key to survival. First, hold your breath and relax your entire body, then gently float face-up—your body naturally experiences buoyancy, allowing your mouth and nose to remain above water for easy breathing. Next, stay alert to your surroundings, breathing rhythmically and only lifting your head to inhale during the lulls between waves; when a wave approaches, quickly hold your breath. Additionally, if you feel yourself being pulled forcefully out to sea—likely due to an offshore current—never fight against the current by struggling back toward shore. Instead, swim parallel to the coastline along the direction of the rip current, gradually moving away from its powerful grip. Once you’ve safely escaped the reach of this dangerous flow, you can then carefully turn around and make your way back to safety.

Liu Hanlin also reminded everyone to pay attention to the warning flags inside the bathing area, listen carefully for safety announcements, and, if you notice unusual water currents or start feeling physically exhausted while swimming, immediately shout for help—never take chances by trying to tough it out.

"Parents must strongly advise and educate their children not to swim alone or without permission, and certainly not to go swimming with others unsupervised," said Duan Leilei. "They should avoid areas lacking proper safety measures and lifeguard presence—such as ditches, ponds, lakes, reservoirs, rivers, and streams—since these locations pose unpredictable risks like hidden rocks, underwater vegetation, and strong currents. Additionally, the water depth in these areas is often difficult to gauge, the temperature can be dangerously cold, and there may even be deep pits beneath the surface, all of which significantly increase the risk of drowning."

Additionally, experts warn that different natural water bodies have distinct characteristics—and come with varying risks. For instance, when enjoying yourself near riverbanks, it’s easy to slip into the water if you don’t pay attention to where you’re stepping. Lakes, ponds, and other shallow water areas often harbor abundant weeds and thick layers of mud. While lake surfaces may appear calm, many ponds are overgrown with vegetation, and their muddy bottoms can be deceptively treacherous. If you’re not thoroughly familiar with the area, jumping in to swim could easily lead to getting tangled in underwater plants or sinking into the silt.

Master rescue skills, stay alert to safety misconceptions

Duan Leilei explained that safe rescue methods involve three key elements: "shout, reach, and throw." "Shout" means immediately calling out loudly for help as soon as someone is drowning, alerting those nearby and simultaneously dialing the emergency number 120 to request assistance. "Reach" refers to using a long, sturdy object like a wooden pole or bamboo pole—something readily available near the water—to extend toward the drowning person while ensuring your own safety. Finally, "throw" involves tossing lifebuoys, pieces of plastic foam, or even sealed plastic containers—anything lightweight and buoyant—that are easily accessible from the shore directly to the victim.

Can children working together, holding hands, really save someone who’s drowning? "This approach is not only extremely wrong but also incredibly dangerous," emphasized Wang Quan, Director of the Department of Critical Care Medicine at Beijing Children's Hospital, Affiliated to Capital Medical University. "If a child spots a peer or another person struggling in the water, they must never attempt to rescue them by jumping in—no matter how bravely they might act. Even holding hands won’t help you fight against the powerful current. In fact, if one child loses balance and falls, the entire line could collapse into the water, putting even more lives at risk."

Parents should be reminded that when children are drowning, they don’t necessarily splash the water or shout loudly—drowning is often quick, silent, and. Some drowning victims may appear with a blank, unfocused stare, while others might try to swim in a particular direction yet make no actual progress. Others could even mimic movements like climbing a ladder. People nearby might mistakenly think they’re practicing breath-holding, perfecting their swimming technique, or simply playing in the water—thus overlooking the real danger of an ongoing drowning situation.

Duan Leilei said: "When children are in the water, parents must provide continuous and effective supervision—remembering that no measure can ever replace proper, attentive care."

Additionally, exercise caution when using non-professional flotation devices. Duan Leilei notes that common inflatable plastic toys and swimming rings are designed merely as temporary aids to help children stay afloat—they are not intended as professional flotation equipment. These items may easily slip off or leak air, posing potential safety risks. To ensure your child’s safety, it’s recommended to use specialized flotation tools during swimming and water play.

Translated from the China Sports Daily