Summer swimming safety: protecting our community in and around the water
(4-5 minute read)
With summer in full swing, families across Reading are heading to pools, ponds, lakes, and beaches to cool off and enjoy the sunshine. The Town of Reading wants to remind all residents - especially parents and caregivers - of the importance of water safety.
Drowning is often silent, fast, and preventable. Learning how to recognize signs of distress and practicing safe habits can save lives.
5 Quick tips for parents
As shared by the Town of Reading’s Health Department, here are five essential reminders for keeping children safe around water:
Watch every splash
Stay within arm’s reach - never leave kids unattended near water. Drowning can happen in seconds, in silence.
Start swim lessons early
Building swimming skills and confidence with certified instructors can significantly reduce drowning risk.
Life jackets save lives
Use only Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Inflatable floaties are not a substitute for proper safety equipment.
Learn CPR
A few hours of training could save someone’s life in an emergency. Knowing how to respond quickly and correctly is essential.
Set water rules
No running near pools, no diving into shallow water, and no swimming alone. Clear expectations create safer environments.
What does drowning look like?
Contrary to popular belief, drowning doesn’t always involve yelling or flailing. Someone might be drowning if they:
Are facing the shore but not swimming
Appear to be treading water or gasping for air
Are waving their arms, panicking, or struggling to speak
Try to roll onto their back or have their mouth at water level
Become suddenly quiet or disappear beneath the surface
If someone is missing, check the water immediately.
If someone is drowning
Call 911
Throw a flotation device or extend a pole, or a towel if it’s safe
Once the person is out of the water, begin CPR immediately and use an AED if available
General water safety tips
Swim in designated areas with lifeguards when possible
Avoid alcohol or distractions while supervising children
Never dive or jump into water less than 12 feet deep
Always swim with a buddy - never swim alone
Walk, don’t run, around pools
Avoid rough play like dunking or tossing others
Exit the water immediately during thunderstorms
Use life jackets properly
Life jackets (also called personal flotation devices, or PFDs) are essential for:
Young children
People with limited swimming ability
Anyone in a boat, kayak, canoe, or paddleboard
Only use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Make sure they fit snugly and are appropriate for the activity and the user’s size.
Natural water tips: lakes, rivers, and oceans
Be careful around sudden drop-offs or murky water
If caught in a current, swim parallel to the shore until free
Enter water slowly to adjust to cold temperatures
Pay attention to water quality signs and advisories
When in doubt - stay out
Considerations for people with disabilities or medical conditions
People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), heart conditions, epilepsy, or other disabilities may face a higher risk of drowning. Tips include:
Creating a family supervision plan
Practicing swim lessons in clothing if wandering is a concern
Wearing life jackets and swimming only in well-supervised areas
Stay safe this summer
Swimming is a joyful and healthy summer activity - it must be done responsibly. Whether you’re supervising children, swimming with friends, or exploring the outdoors, following these guidelines helps protect everyone.
For more information or safety resources, visit the Town of Reading Health Division or visit the Mass.gov website.
Flyer by the Town of Reading.
