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Water safety 101: what everyone should know before hitting the water this summer
Published 1:25 am Monday, July 6, 2026
A Providence physician shares what to watch for and how to make a splash without the risk
As summer heat settles in across the Pacific Northwest, more families are heading for the water. Whether your destination is the river, lake or pool, there is some key information everyone needs to know.
“The statistics around drowning can be sobering but simple steps like swimming lessons, supervision and knowing what to do in an emergency can genuinely save lives,” says Dr. Amna Khan, family medicine practitioner and lead physician at Providence Puget Park Primary Care.
According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of death for children aged one to four and the second most common cause of unintentional injury death for ages five to 14.
It also disproportionately affects certain communities: Indigenous individuals are twice as likely to drown, Black Americans 1.5 times more likely and individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder face a risk of drowning death nearly 40 times higher than the general population.
Starting swim lessons early is one of the most effective interventions, with learning to float identified as a particularly critical skill.
Know your environment
Different bodies of water carry different risks.
Rivers can change rapidly, with powerful undercurrents, algae-covered rocks and jagged surfaces beneath the surface. In lakes, limited visibility hides submerged logs, rocks and sudden drop-offs, especially around piers and docks.
For children aged one to four, the greatest risk is statistically the family pool. Gates with functioning latches, safety rated pool covers and life jackets for young children and weaker swimmers are essential.
Alcohol and cannabis before swimming, or before supervising, significantly impair reaction times. Designating a single, sober, distraction-free adult to supervise children near water is a simple solution.
Cold water adds another layer of risk. Immersion can trigger airway tightening, rapid muscle fatigue and disorientation, while alcohol creates a false sense of warmth that can lead people into dangerously cold conditions without realizing it.
Know what drowning can actually look like
Drowning itself is often silent and can happen fast. Watch for an individual whose head is bobbing near the surface, who cannot call out, whose arms are pressing down on the water rather than swimming.
“CPR can be life-saving,” Dr. Khan says. “Even basic chest compressions can make a real difference. A CPR mask makes the process easier and they are small enough to toss in your pool or beach bag.”
If someone is pulled from the water and later develops a new cough, chest pain or unusual fatigue, seek emergency care immediately.
When shopping for swimsuits – Neon over navy is your safest bet.
“It sounds like a small thing, but swimsuit color really does matter,” Dr. Khan says. “Neon yellows, greens and oranges are significantly easier to spot in the water than blues, whites or pastels. In an emergency, being able to see someone quickly can make a real difference.”
Life jackets remain the single most effective piece of safety equipment on the water. Not water wings, not floaties. When in doubt, put one on.
“A few simple precautions can go a long way toward making sure everyone enjoys a safe and fun summer,” Dr. Khan says.
Explore all Providence Swedish clinics and care centers online here and learn more about services offered at Providence Regional Medical Center Everett at providence.org/locations/wa/providence-regional-medical-center-everett.
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