July — Swimming & Drowning Prevention
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Theme of the Month — July
Swimming & Drowning Prevention
The deadliest drowning month of the year. Make this the biggest push of the calendar.
REC Safe Swimming
Our R.E.C. Tenets, applied at the water's edge:
- R — Responsible
be the Water Watcher — undistracted - E — Equipped
real life jackets, not toys - C — Cautious
currents, no diving into unknown water
Top 10 Swimming & Drowning Prevention Safety Tips →
What to Bring
- Life jackets for kids and weak swimmers
- Whistle for the Water Watcher
- Reaching pole or throw rope
- Sunscreen
- First aid kit
- Charged phone in a waterproof pouch
- Rash guard
- Water shoes
- Extra drinking water
- Portable shade
Related Terrain
- Freshwater — pools, lakes, and rivers
- Saltwater — rip currents and ocean swimming
Related Activities
- Boating (May)
- Paddling: Kayak, Canoe & SUP (April)
Test Your Knowledge
Does drowning usually look like loud splashing and yelling?
No — drowning is silent, not loud. A drowning child often looks like a quiet child.
What's the name for the designated, undistracted adult who watches swimmers?
The Water Watcher.
If you're caught in a rip current, what should you do instead of swimming straight back to shore?
Float, stay calm, and swim parallel to shore until you're out of it, then angle back in.
Why are water wings and inflatable rings considered risky for weak swimmers?
They're toys that give false confidence, not real flotation devices — use life jackets instead.
What's July's suggested alternate activity?
High-elevation or early-morning hiking.
Alternate Activity
Not into swimming? Try High-Elevation / Early-Morning Hiking instead — a way to beat the heat without getting in the water.