Open water swimming and sports are fun for all ages. But did you know Teens are more likely to drown in lakes, rivers, oceans, ponds, and other natural water. Although Teens often lack experience, they tend to feel invincible, making them more likely to take risks in the water. They may overestimate their skills and underestimate dangerous situations.

Here are a few things you can do to keep your teen safe:

•Teach teens that swimming in open water is different from swimming in a pool.

•Know the hidden hazards of open water, such as -
 Limited visibility
 Sudden drop-offs
 Uneven surfaces
 Currents and undertow
 Depth of water
 Rocks and vegetation
 Cold temperatures
 Difficult-to-judge distances

•Teach your teen to always enter the water the first-time feet first. This will help them know the water’s depth, as well as hazards like large rocks that can’t be seen from the surface.

•Even though they are teens, continue to supervise their time in the water.

• Make sure your teen learns how to swim.

 But remember that knowing how to swim will not “drown proof” your teen.

•Swim only where there are lifeguards on duty and never swim alone.

 Urge your teen to use the buddy system, even when swimming with large groups of friends.

•Talk to your teen about how alcohol and drugs make being in or on the water more dangerous. Alcohol interferes with swimming skills, balance, coordination, and judgement, and can increase risk of hypothermia in the water.

•Always sear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket appropriate for your teens weight and water activity when swimming, boating, or enjoying other water activities.

 Never rely on inflatable tubes and rafts as life preservers.

•Know what to do in an emergency. Learn CPR and safe rescue techniques to respond when there is trouble in the water.


• Make sure teens learn water survival skills. Teens should be able to do these 5 things:
• Step or jump into water over their head and return to the surface.
• Turn around in the water and orient to safety.
• Float or tread water for at least one minute.
• Combine breathing with forward movement in the water.
• Exit the water.

• The risks of drinking or substance use during these years becomes a big factor.

 Drinking alcohol while swimming or boating is a major cause of recreational water deaths among teens.

 With research showing that alcohol is a leading risk factor in drownings.

• Teens also typically feel like they are being judged by their peers and may try to keep up with them or impress them, even if they don’t have the swim skills and experience.

• Weak swimmers who cannot swim should wear life jackets when they are in or near water.
• Look for “No Diving” signs before diving in.
• Use designated swimming or recreational areas whenever possible.