News Summary
As summer approaches, aquatic experts in Bryan-College Station emphasize the urgency of pool safety due to rising drowning incidents. With around 4,000 annual drowning deaths in the U.S., parents are urged to monitor their children closely around water. Preventative measures including installing secure fences, enrolling in swimming lessons, and appointing designated water watchers can significantly enhance safety. Drowning can occur unexpectedly even in shallow water, and education on recognizing signs of distress is essential. The community is reminded to prioritize safety measures as the leisure swimming season begins.
Bryan-College Station, Texas – As summer approaches, aquatic experts in Bryan-College Station are emphasizing the importance of pool safety amid a worrying rise in drowning incidents. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting around 4,000 drowning deaths each year in the United States, equating to an average of 11 fatalities per day, parents are urged to monitor their children closely around water.
In response to the increased risks associated with swimming, College Station’s Aquatics Supervisor recommends taking preventive measures. These include installing heavier doors with higher knobs and erecting fencing around backyard pools to restrict children’s access. The objective is to create safer environments to minimize the chances of accidental drownings.
Enrollment in swimming lessons is strongly encouraged as a proactive approach to safety. Studies indicate that swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by as much as 88% for children under five years old. Children can even begin swim lessons as early as six months old, facilitating the acquisition of essential swimming skills at a young age.
When supervising children in and around water, it is essential to designate “water watchers” specifically tasked with monitoring swimmers. Continuous oversight is critical, along with the recommendation to equip children with U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when they are near water bodies.
Drowning incidents can occur unexpectedly and in shallow water, with as little as two inches being sufficient for a child to drown. In Texas alone, the Department of Family and Human Services recorded 19 drownings among children in 2025, underlining the need for vigilant supervision and preventative measures.
Recognizing the signs of drowning can also be lifesaving, as the process may not always be obvious. Subtle indicators, such as a child’s lack of progression through the water or their head being submerged for an extended period, can signify distress. Panic signs in drowning individuals might include visible signs of distress and extended underwater duration without movement, which can often be missed by untrained observers.
As the leisure swimming season kicks off, the pools in the City of Bryan opened on May 25, followed closely by College Station on May 24. Shocking incidents, such as a two-year-old drowning in Harris County after accessing a neighbor’s pool through a gap in fencing, highlight the critical need for constant vigilance and safety measures.
Despite recent efforts to promote water safety, national studies reveal a troubling trend: drowning deaths are on the rise after a previous decline. The most vulnerable populations include children aged 1 to 4, and adults over the age of 65, who face higher risks while swimming or participating in water-related activities.
Safe Kids Worldwide advocates for the practice of having a designated “backyard lifeguard” when pools are in use, adding another layer of precaution during family swim sessions. While inflatable pool toys can add fun to the swimming experience, experts caution that they can also pose additional drowning risks due to their propensity to flip and obstruct a child’s access to the water surface.
Water safety encompasses more than just active participation; it also includes crucial guidelines such as never swimming alone and ensuring responsible adult supervision for children at all times. Alongside conventional safety protocols, understanding the potential health risks associated with swimming is equally important. Swimming in public facilities and natural bodies of water can expose individuals to illnesses caused by germs like Crypto, Giardia, and E. coli.
For those involved in boating and swimming, safety measures further extend to wearing life jackets and avoiding alcohol consumption to mitigate accident risks associated with water activities. By implementing these safety practices, families can enjoy a fun and safe summer while reducing the risks associated with swimming and drowning.
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Additional Resources
- KBTX: Bryan College Station Swim Safety Tips
- Wikipedia: Drowning
- ABC13: Child Drowning Incident
- Google Search: Child Drowning
- KENS5: San Antonio Child Found in Pool
- Google Scholar: Water Safety
- My Journal Courier: Swimming Safety Awareness
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Swimming Safety
- Denver Post: Lifejacket Loaner Stations
- Google News: Drowning Statistics
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
