By Janice Robinson-Celeste

Are you ready for the best summer ever, or is the thought of the pool making you a little nervous? Summer has already kicked off, and if your family is like mine, the kids are probably begging to jump into every pool, lake, or sprinkler they see. While we want our children to splash around and have the time of their lives, keeping them safe is our number one job.

At Successful Black Parenting Magazine, we believe that empowerment comes from knowledge. When we know the facts, we can protect our joy. Unfortunately, the statistics for our community are a bit heavy. Did you know that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4?

It gets even tougher when we look at our own families. Black children between the ages of 5 and 9 drown at 2.6 times the rate of white children. For kids ages 10 to 14, that number jumps to 3.6 times. Most shockingly, in swimming pools, Black children in that same age group drown at a rate 7.6 times higher than their white peers.

These numbers aren’t a reflection of our ability; they are a reflection of history. For decades, Black families were excluded from public pools and beaches. This historical exclusion created a generational gap in swimming education. But the cycle ends with us! Today, 64% of Black children don’t know how to swim compared to 40% of white children, according to the USA Swimming Foundation. We can change this right now.

Here are the 7 most common water safety mistakes to avoid so your family can thrive and stay safe all summer long.

Mistake 1: Relying On Floaties Or Puddle Jumpers

Does your child always reach for those cute inflatable arm bands before jumping in? Many of us grew up using “floaties,” but they are actually one of the biggest safety traps out there. These items are toys, not life-saving devices.

Puddle jumpers and arm bands can give children a false sense of security. They teach kids to float vertically (the “drowning position”) instead of horizontally, which is how you actually swim. If a child slips out of them or forgets to put them on, they might jump into deep water thinking they will still float. Instead of toys, always choose a life jacket that is U.S. Coast Guard-approved. These are designed to keep your child’s head above water and won’t pop or slip off.

Mistake 2: Assuming Someone Else Is Watching The Kids

Have you ever been at a big family cookout and thought, “There are so many adults here, someone must be watching the kids”? This is a dangerous assumption. When everyone is responsible, nobody is responsible.

Drowning is silent. It doesn’t look like the splashing and screaming you see in the movies. It can happen in seconds right in front of a crowd. The solution is to have a “Water Watcher.” This is one designated adult whose only job is to watch the water. They shouldn’t be on their phone, eating, or chatting. You can even use a physical Water Watcher card or lanyard to make it clear who is on duty. Rotate every 15 to 20 minutes so everyone stays alert.

Mistake 3: Skipping Formal Swim Lessons For Your Children

Do you think your child is “fine” because they can doggy-paddle across the shallow end? “Water Safety Mistakes” often start with overestimating a child’s skill level. Doggy-paddling is not the same as being water competent.

Formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%. Even though summer has started, it is never too late to sign up for a crash course. Look for programs that focus on “water competency,” which includes being able to float on your back and find an exit. Organizations like Black Kids Swim and Outdoor Afro are amazing resources for finding culturally confident environments. If you are looking for specialized training, Alma Swim Club is another fantastic leader in drowning prevention for our community.

Mistake 4: Not Having A Four-Sided Pool Fence At Home

Is your backyard pool easy for a curious toddler to reach? Many parents rely on the back door of the house as the “fence,” but that isn’t enough.

A true safety fence should be four-sided, meaning it completely separates the pool from the house and the rest of the yard. It should be at least 4 feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Kids are fast and creative; a door left cracked for a second is all it takes. If you are visiting family or staying at an Airbnb this summer, check the pool area first. If there isn’t a fence, you must keep all doors locked and the kids under “touch supervision” (within arm’s reach) at all times.

Mistake 5: Using Non-USCG Approved Life Jackets

Are you grabbing the cheapest life vest off the shelf at the grocery store? Not all life jackets are created equal. When you are at a lake, river, or on a boat, a properly fitted, USCG-approved life jacket is a must, even for kids who know how to swim.

Check the label inside the vest. If it doesn’t say “U.S. Coast Guard Approved,” put it back. For younger children, look for vests with a head support flap and a strap that goes between the legs. This ensures the jacket won’t slide up over their face if they fall into the water. Remember, a life jacket only works if it’s worn properly! Make sure all the buckles are snapped and it fits snugly.

Mistake 6: Forgetting To Learn CPR For Water Emergencies

If an emergency happened today, would you know exactly what to do? Knowing CPR is the difference between a scary moment and a tragedy.

When a child is rescued from the water, every second counts. Starting CPR immediately while waiting for paramedics can prevent permanent brain damage and save a life. At Successful Black Parenting Magazine, we encourage every parent and grandparent to take a certified CPR course. Many local community centers and the American Red Cross offer quick classes that fit into a busy schedule. It is a small investment of time that gives you massive peace of mind.

Mistake 7: Letting Distractions Take Your Eyes Off The Water

How often do you “just check a quick text” while the kids are playing? We get it, you’re a busy parent. But in the time it takes to reply to a message, a child can slip under the surface.

Distraction is one of the most common “Water Safety Mistakes” made today. Put the phone in “Do Not Disturb” mode or leave it in your bag while you are the designated watcher. If you are at a public pool, don’t assume the lifeguard sees everything. Lifeguards are there to manage the whole pool, but you are the expert on your child. Keep your eyes on them constantly. Similar to how we manage Roblox child safety, we have to be proactive and present to keep our kids out of harm’s way.

Practical Solutions For A Safe Summer

Water safety isn’t about fear; it’s about freedom. When our children learn to swim and we follow safety rules, we open up a world of adventure for them. Here is a quick checklist of what you can do right now:

• Assign a Water Watcher: Use a lanyard or a specific hat so everyone knows who is on duty.
• Audit your gear: Throw away the old arm-floaties and buy USCG-approved life jackets.
• Book the lessons: Don’t wait for next year. Find a local pool or an organization like Black Kids Swim today.
• Update your skills: Sign up for a CPR class this weekend.
• Talk to your kids: Explain that they must never go near water without an adult, even if it’s just a neighbor’s “kiddie pool.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Your family deserves a summer filled with sunshine, laughter, and cool water. By avoiding these common mistakes, you are ensuring that those memories are nothing but joyful. Let’s keep our kids safe, confident, and brilliant in every environment!