The Truth About Water Safety and “Drown-Proofing”

May is water safety month, and a time for us to highlight the many ways we can stay safer around the water! For experienced swimmers and aquatic professionals, this month may seem more like a reminder than a revelation. However, one of the key messages we want to drive home is that no one is “drown-proof.”

The idea that someone can become “drown-proof” is a dangerous myth that can create false confidence and lead to life-threatening emergencies. Drowning doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care how strong of a swimmer you are, how many barriers are in place, or even how many certifications you’ve earned. In fact, most drowning incidents occur when safety precautions are present because people assume those precautions are enough.

At Watermelon Swim, we teach and encourage the use of Slyce’s Seeds of Safety, which can dramatically reduce your risk – but even then, “drown-proof” still doesn’t exist.

Drowning statistics are often used as a scare tactic, but they’re more than that, they’re a reality check. The statistics below are sobering, but each one comes with a powerful lesson – a takeaway to help keep your family safer in and around water.

Safety Statistics to Learn From

  • Stat: Over 80% of child drownings happen in residential pools while an adult is nearby. In almost 9/10 child drowning deaths, the caregiver claimed to be watching the child (source).
    • Takeaway: Being nearby isn’t enough. Water supervision needs to be active – that means eyes on the water at all times, free from distractions like phones, conversations, or food. We recommend always assigning a designated “Water Watcher” during any pool activities to ensure someone is always focused on the water.
  • Stat: 68% of childhood drownings occurred in pools lacking four-sided fencing. (Source.)
    • Takeaway: Pool barriers save lives. All home pools should have a four-sided isolation fence that completely surrounds the pool, separating it from the house and yard. These fences are shown to reduce drowning risk by 83%, helping to prevent children from accessing the water while unsupervised.
  • An estimated 66% of people who drown worldwide each year knew how to swim. (Source.)
    • Takeaway: Swimming ability does not equal safety. Children, teens, and adults are all still at risk for drowning even if they know how to swim and have previously taken swim lessons. That’s why consistent and continuous swim lessons are key and can reduce the risk of drowning by 88%. At Watermelon Swim, we know that the swim journey never truly ends. Even our instructors participate in regular training to keep their skills sharp and their safety knowledge fresh.

Slyce’s Seeds of Safety

At Watermelon Swim, we know water safety can feel overwhelming – especially when faced with scary statistics. That’s why we’ve broken it down into four simple “Seeds of Safety”. These steps, when practiced together can drastically reduce your risk of drowning:

  • 🍉 Barriers – Four-sided pool fences that isolate the water from the home and the yard
  • 🍉 CPR and First Aid – Active certifications through in-person classes
  • 🍉 Supervision – Designated, distraction-free, and active water watching
  • 🍉 Swim Lessons – Consistent, year-round swim education

Remember: These seeds of safety can significantly reduce your risk of drowning, but they don’t make anyone drown-proof. Drowning prevention requires constant awareness, education, and practice.

Teaching water safety skills

Watermelon Swim Is Committed to Safety

That’s why at Watermelon Swim in South Tampa, we focus on the swim journey, not just swim lessons. We meet every swimmer where they are —whether it’s their first splash or their first lap—and guide them through each stage of learning with patience, consistency, and expert instruction. Our progressive, level-based curriculum is designed to grow with your child, reinforcing safety, skill, and confidence at every age and ability.

Our commitment to consistency, connection, and community helps us do more than just teach kids to swim—we help them thrive in the water. With certified, child-approved instructors, year-round indoor heated pools, and a focus on long-term learning, our approach works because it’s rooted in trust, repetition, and fun.

We’re not just building swimmers—we’re growing a community of safer swimmers for life. Because the world is 71% water, and our kids are 100% curious.

Water Smart. Water Fun. Watermelon!