As temperatures rise across Southeast Texas and families head to pools, splash pads, lakes, and beaches, water safety experts are urging parents to stay vigilant.
KPRC 2 spent the week speaking with doctors, swim instructors, and safety advocates about the biggest drowning risks facing children this summer, and the steps families can take right now to help prevent tragedy.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, drowning remains one of the leading causes of death for young children. Experts say drownings are often silent, happen quickly, and can occur even when adults are nearby.
PART 1: Houston doctors share water safety tips ahead of summer swim season
Water safety experts say one of the biggest misconceptions parents have is that drowning looks dramatic. In reality, experts say children often slip underwater quietly and within seconds.
At the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center of Houston, instructors and pediatric experts stressed the importance of “layers of protection” when children are near water.
That includes:
- Constant adult supervision
- Designating a “water watcher”
- Installing fences and self-latching gates
- Learning CPR
- Enrolling children in swim lessons
Officials also reminded parents not to rely on floaties or pool toys as safety devices.
Experts say one distracted moment, checking a phone, stepping away briefly, or assuming someone else is watching, can quickly turn dangerous.
PART 2: Doctors warn neurodivergent children may face greater risks around water
Pediatricians say children with autism and other neurodivergent conditions can face even greater dangers around water because many are naturally drawn to it.
Tiffany Nguyen told KPRC 2 that some neurodivergent children are fascinated by the way water feels, sounds, or looks — increasing the risk they may wander toward pools, ponds, or lakes without recognizing the danger.
“Whenever they have the opportunity, they just wander,” Nguyen said.
Doctors say families should create multiple backup safety systems, including:
- Door alarms
- Pool alarms
- Locked gates
- Swim lessons
- Constant supervision
- Communication with neighbors and caregivers
The YMCA of Greater Houston also offers adaptive swim lessons tailored to children with autism and other developmental needs.
Experts say early swim instruction can help children build confidence and safety awareness around water.
PART 3: YMCA experts say swim lessons can reduce drowning risk by 88%
Water safety advocates say one of the best tools families have this summer is formal swim lessons.
At the McWilliams Family YMCA, instructors are teaching children of all ages and skill levels — including neurodivergent children — how to stay safe in the water.
The YMCA offers:
- Group swim lessons
- Private lessons
- Parent-child classes
- Adaptive swim instruction
According to YMCA Aquatics Director Kennedy Conlee, formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by at least 88%.
“Swimming is a life skill,” Conlee said. “It could save your child’s life one day.”
Swim instructors also encourage parents to start teaching water safety habits early, including always asking permission before entering the water.
YMCA leaders say financial assistance is available for many aquatics programs to help ensure cost does not prevent families from accessing swim safety education.