Summer in the Southwest means pool parties, lake trips, and long afternoons spent trying to survive triple digit heat without melting into our patio furniture. It also means increased risks around water, especially for children.
As families spend more time near pools and lakes, safety experts are reminding parents and caregivers that water safety and CPR training go hand in hand. National CPR and AED Awareness Week shines a spotlight on why more Americans should know how to respond in an emergency before first responders arrive.
According to the American Heart Association, about 70% of non-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home. If CPR is needed, there’s a strong chance the person needing help will be someone you know or love. Drowning emergencies are no different. In many cases, parents, grandparents, babysitters, coaches, or neighbors are the first people on scene.
Water Safety Starts Before Anyone Gets in the Pool
Drowning is often silent. Children don’t always splash, yell, or wave for help. Many incidents happen quickly and within sight of adults.
The American Heart Association urges families to build layers of protection around water safety. That includes:
- Never leaving children unattended near water, even for a moment
- Assigning a dedicated “water watcher” during pool gatherings
- Installing four sided fencing with self latching gates around pools
- Teaching children how to swim
- Using properly fitted life jackets around lakes and open water
- Keeping phones and distractions away while supervising children
The Southwest’s long swim season increases exposure to these risks. Backyard pools are common, and many families spend time at lakes during the summer. Combined with extreme heat and crowded gatherings, distractions happen fast.
Young children remain at the highest risk for drowning, but teens and adults aren’t immune. Alcohol use, heat exhaustion, overconfidence in swimming ability, and lack of supervision all contribute to water related emergencies every year.
Why CPR Training Matters
CPR plays a critical role during drowning emergencies.
When someone is pulled from the water and not breathing normally, immediate CPR helps keep oxygen moving through the body until emergency medical professionals arrive. Bystander CPR has been shown to improve survival outcomes during cardiac and respiratory emergencies.
Ed Taube, lead trainer for Arizona Chapter National Safety Council (ACNSC), says CPR training gives people the confidence to step in when every second counts.
“When something happens around water, people panic because they’re afraid of doing the wrong thing,” Taube said. “CPR training helps replace fear with action. You don’t have to be a healthcare worker to save a life. Parents, grandparents, older siblings, neighbors, anyone caring for children should know these skills.”
Taube says many people are surprised by how practical and approachable CPR training is once they take a class.
“We hope families never have to use these skills,” he said. “But if an emergency happens, knowing what to do in those first few minutes can make all the difference.”
Stories across the country continue to show how CPR training saves lives. In drowning incidents, early CPR provided by bystanders before paramedics arrive has helped improve survival chances and recovery outcomes.
Keeping Kids Safe Around Water This Summer
Parents and caregivers don’t need to eliminate summer fun to improve safety. Small steps make a significant difference.
Before visiting a pool, lake, or splash area this summer:
- Talk with children about water rules
- Keep rescue equipment and a phone nearby
- Learn CPR and basic first aid
- Avoid assuming someone else is watching the kids
- Take breaks during extreme heat to prevent fatigue and dehydration
- Stay alert during parties and large gatherings where distractions increase
Preparedness matters because emergencies rarely happen when conditions are calm and convenient. They happen during busy afternoons, family celebrations, and ordinary moments when attention slips for a few seconds.
Learn CPR with ACNSC
Arizona Chapter National Safety Council (ACNSC) offers a one day First Aid, CPR and AED Standard Course designed for everyone, including parents, caregivers, teachers, coaches, and community members.
Participants learn:
- Adult, child, and infant CPR
- AED use
- First aid basics
- How to respond confidently during emergencies
Register for an upcoming ACNSC First Aid, CPR and AED Standard Course here.
This summer, water safety starts with preparation. Because when an emergency happens, the people nearby are often the people who matter most.