As temperatures rise and families head to pools, lakes, and beaches, it’s important to remember that water-related emergencies can happen in an instant. Drowning is often silent, swift, and sadly, one of the leading causes of accidental death—especially in children under five years old.
Contrary to what movies may show, real-life drowning doesn’t involve splashing or cries for help. A child can slip under the water quietly, and within 30 seconds, their life can be in danger. But it’s not just children—adults are also at risk of cardiac events near water, particularly when alcohol, heat, or medical conditions are involved. That’s why learning CPR is not just a skill—it’s a responsibility.
Here are a few simple but powerful ways to keep children safe around water:
- 🛑 Always supervise children near water—no exceptions. Put your phone down and give them your full attention.
- 🚫 Never rely on floaties or toys as life-saving devices. Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when needed.
- 🚪 Install barriers around pools. This includes 4-sided fencing with self-latching gates.
- 🚿 Empty buckets, kiddie pools, and tubs immediately after use. Even a few inches of water can be dangerous.
- 🧠 Teach children how to swim early and enroll them in water safety classes. The earlier they learn, the safer they are.
- 📍 Establish pool rules like “no running,” “no diving in shallow water,” and “always swim with a buddy.”
In addition to these precautions, knowing how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is one of the best ways to prepare for an emergency. CPR is a critical skill that empowers ordinary people to take life-saving action before emergency services arrive. When CPR is administered within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, it can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. Imagine the difference you could make by simply knowing what to do. Whether you’re a parent, babysitter, lifeguard, teacher, or just someone who wants to be prepared—learning CPR is one of the most impactful things you can do to protect those you care about.
At Florida Training Academy, we believe that CPR training should be accessible to everyone. That’s why we’ve created a FREE CPR & AED Refresher Video along with a FREE downloadable CPR Study Guide to help you refresh your skills at your convenience. These resources are perfect for summer safety prep, workplace readiness, or anyone who wants to feel more confident in an emergency.
🛟 Take a few minutes to invest in a lifetime of knowledge. Visit www.FLtraining.com to schedule your individual or group CPR Class in Jacksonville, Florida and surrounding counties. Empower yourself to save a life—because when it comes to emergencies, every second truly counts.
