As summer break begins and temperatures rise, families across the Milford area are heading to pools, beaches, rivers and lakes to cool off. While water activities can provide hours of fun, safety experts remind parents that drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death among children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1 to 4 and remains a significant risk for older children and teens. The danger can be present anywhere there is water, including swimming pools, ponds, rivers, retention ponds and even backyard inflatable pools.
One of the most important safety measures is active adult supervision. Experts recommend that a responsible adult remain within arm’s reach of young children whenever they are in or near water. Drowning often occurs quickly and quietly, without the splashing or cries for help many people expect.
Families visiting local waterways, including the Mispillion River, area ponds or Delaware beaches, should also be aware of changing currents, uneven surfaces and water depth. Children should wear properly fitted life jackets when boating, fishing or participating in activities on open water. Water wings and inflatable toys should never be considered substitutes for life jackets or adult supervision.
Along the Mispillion Riverwalk, several emergency life ring stations serve as a reminder of the importance of water safety. The stations were dedicated in memory of Deejohn Fullman, a Milford teenager who drowned in the Mispillion River in 2019. The life rings were installed to provide emergency rescue equipment along the river and to help prevent future tragedies while honoring Fullman’s memory.
Swimming lessons can also help reduce risk. Many organizations offer classes designed to teach children basic water safety skills, including floating, treading water and safely exiting a pool. While lessons can improve confidence and ability, experts stress that they do not eliminate the need for supervision.
Homeowners with swimming pools should ensure fences and self-latching gates are in place to prevent unsupervised access. Pool owners are also encouraged to keep rescue equipment and a phone nearby in case of an emergency.
As families enjoy summer activities, a few simple precautions can make a significant difference. Staying alert, supervising children closely and following basic water safety practices can help ensure that summer memories are filled with fun rather than tragedy.
With school now out and more children spending time outdoors, safety officials encourage families to make water safety a priority throughout the summer season.
