July is historically one of the highest months for drowning incidents out of the entire year. While that statistic is jarring, there is a powerful truth every parent and caregiver should know: drowning is preventable, and prevention begins with awareness.
At Strive, we are deeply committed to supporting the health, safety, and well-being of the communities and families we serve. To help keep your loved ones safe around the pool, lake, or beach this summer, we’ve gathered some of the best local and national educational materials, program links, and safety resources available.
1. Central Texas Water Safety Resources: Dell Children’s Simply Safety Center
If you live in Central Texas, we are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated regional resource right in our backyard. Specifically, The Drowning Prevention and Water Safety Program at Dell Children’s Medical Center is an invaluable tool for parents looking to minimize risks.
Families can turn to their Simply Safety Center for expert, well-rounded guidance on child wellness. In addition to their vital drowning prevention initiatives, the team provides practical education on several key topics:
- Child passenger safety (car seats and boosters)
- Bike and helmet security
- Accident-proofing your home
- Establishing safe sleep environments
What They Offer:
- Low-Cost Safety Items: First, the center provides families with access to affordable safety gear. As a result, protective measures are never restricted by budget.
- Free Educational Materials: Additionally, their portal includes downloadable tip cards and educational flyers. You can print these out at home, or you can order them directly to share with neighbors, summer camps, or daycare groups.
- Explore the Resources: Consequently, we encourage you to visit the Dell Children’s Simply Safety Center to find their specialized drowning prevention links and order your safety materials.
2. Inclusive Water Safety: Autism Society & NDPA Webinar Collaboration
Water safety is not one-size-fits-all. Because children with autism or neurodivergent needs frequently experience water elopement (wandering), specialized education is an absolute necessity. Furthermore, many children experience a strong sensory attraction to bodies of water, which increases risk.
Fortunately, a highly informative webinar was recently hosted as a collaborative effort between the Autism Society of America and the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA). This presentation breaks down critical, actionable safety adjustments and sensory considerations that everyone in our community should understand.
Whether you are a parent, an educator, or a supportive neighbor, we highly encourage taking the time to watch this presentation.
- Webinar Link: Watch the Autism & Water Safety Recording
- Access Passcode: 44ih.SKW
Simple Actions to Take Today
Creating a safe environment around water doesn’t have to be overwhelming. In fact, you can start building a safer community today by implementing these simple steps:
- Assign a Dedicated ‘Water Watcher’: When kids are in or near water, designate one adult whose only job is to watch the water without looking at a phone or chatting. Additionally, rotate watchers every 15-20 minutes to prevent fatigue.
- Print and Post Tip Cards: Next, use the Dell Children’s resource link above to print out water safety rules. You can tape them to your back door or keep them in your swim bag.
- Share the Knowledge: Finally, safety multiplies when we share information. If you found these links helpful, please pass this article along to neighbors, friends, and local families.
Ultimately, drowning prevention relies on multiple layers of protection—including fences, alarms, swim lessons, and constant supervision. By staying informed and utilizing these local Central Texas resources, we can ensure a fun, happy, and safe summer for all of our Strive families.
