Children line up at the edge of the pool, shrieking, feet pounding the concrete as they race toward the cool blue water. Parents relax on folding chairs, scanning their phones, voices drifting above the hum of a summer afternoon.

At the lake, teenagers kick off shoes and sprint for the shallows. Downstream, anglers call out warnings as boats drift by. Every summer, water draws us back–reminding us of the freedom, the risk, and the responsibility it brings.

That draw is as old as the Juniata River itself. In the Juniata River Valley and across Pennsylvania, families fill community pools, head to lakes, and travel to beaches for relief from the heat. Water is summer’s promise. But it also carries danger, especially for children–and every year, the stories repeat: the silent slip beneath the surface, the quick misstep, the parent who looked away for a minute too long.

Summer marks a spike in drownings and water-related injuries across the country. According to the Center for Disease Control, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4 and a top cause among teens. In Pennsylvania alone, dozens of children and adults die each year in pools, lakes, and rivers. Many more suffer injuries–some lifelong.

The tragedy is almost always preventable. Drowning does not look like it does in the movies. There is no flailing, no loud splashing, no cries for help. It is quick, silent, and can happen in seconds. This is why vigilance–real, active supervision–matters more than any sign or warning label.

Pools, especially public ones, give families a sense of security: lifeguards stand on high chairs, rules are posted at every turn, and kids seem surrounded by other families. But statistics show most child drownings happen when adults are present–and when everyone assumes someone else is watching.

At lakes, rivers, and beaches, the risks compound. Water depth changes in a step. Rocks, currents, and weeds hide beneath the surface. Beaches can draw crowds or leave swimmers isolated. Alcohol is often part of the picture for adults, dulling caution and slowing response.

Many drownings occur in backyard pools, inflatable kiddie pools, or ponds–often with adults nearby. A phone call, a neighbor’s question, or a run inside for a towel is all it takes. For young children, water in a bucket, bathtub, or plastic pool can pose the same risk. It is silent and fast.

There is no substitute for close, undistracted supervision. “Active supervision” means eyes on the water, not a phone or a conversation. Adults should take turns being the designated “water watcher,” responsible for every swimmer during their shift. If you must leave, hand off that duty–don’t assume someone else is paying attention.

For older children and teens, supervision changes but never ends. Strong swimmers can still panic, hit their head, or get caught in a current. Adults must set limits, enforce rules, and know the risks of every swimming spot.

Teaching children to swim is a key step, but lessons are not a cure-all. Young swimmers need life jackets in open water, even if they have passed classes. Pool noodles, inflatables, and water wings give a false sense of security. Only U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets protect a child in a crisis.

Adults should model the same care. If you are boating, kayaking, or fishing near deep or fast water, wear a life jacket. Make it normal for children to see you do it.

The presence of alcohol changes everything. Adults who drink and swim, boat, or supervise children near water are at greater risk for accidents. Alcohol slows reaction times and impairs judgment–even in small amounts. It can mean the difference between a safe afternoon and a trip to the emergency room.

If you plan to drink, stay out of the water and leave supervision to someone sober. Encourage friends and family to do the same. The best memories of summer are not made with risk.

Every body of water has its dangers. Before you swim, know the depth, current, and rules. Avoid diving in unknown areas. At the lake or river, check for slippery rocks and sudden drop-offs. At beaches, heed warnings about tides, rip currents and posted advisories. If the water is murky or moving fast, keep children out.

Do not rely on lifeguards alone. In many places, lifeguards are overworked or absent. The best protection is always a present, attentive adult.

Prepare for emergencies before they happen. Keep a phone close, know the address of your location, and learn CPR. Seconds count in a drowning. Immediate response can mean survival and full recovery.

Review safety plans with your family. Set clear rules: no swimming alone, no diving in shallow water, no running on pool decks. For parties or gatherings, appoint a water watcher and change shifts every 30 minutes to stay fresh.

Water safety is not a solo act. Communities, schools, and families must work together to prevent tragedy. Public pools need clear rules, vigilant staff, and well-maintained barriers. Parks and recreation areas should post signs and make rescue equipment available. Swim lessons should be accessible to all families.

Neighbors can look out for one another. If you see a child alone near water, ask questions. If a gate is left open or a pool unattended, take action. Drowning is often silent, but prevention is not.

We flock to water for freedom and fun, for the laughter that echoes across a sunny afternoon. We owe it to our children–and ourselves–to protect those moments. The stories we remember should be about games won, fish caught, and the chill of diving in, not loss and regret.

A safe summer is an active choice. It means being present, sober and prepared. It means teaching, watching, and caring for each other. With that, our pools, lakes, and rivers remain places of joy, year after year.