As families across the LMAS District Health Department service area head to beaches, lakes, rivers, and swimming pools this summer, LMAS is reminding residents that drowning remains one of the leading causes of preventable death among children—and that simple safety measures can save lives.
According to public health data, drowning is the leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 5 to 14. Drowning can occur in seconds and is often silent, making constant supervision essential whenever children are near water.
“Every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy the water safely,” said Nick Derusha, Health Officer for the LMAS District Health Department. “Drowning is preventable. Parents and caregivers can dramatically reduce risk by teaching children to swim, maintaining close and constant supervision, ensuring pools are properly secured, and having everyone wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when appropriate. Water safety is a responsibility we all share.”
Health officials emphasize that swimming lessons are among the most effective ways to reduce the risk of drowning. However, children who have completed swim lessons still require close supervision whenever they are in or near the water. Experts recommend that adults remain within arm’s reach of young children and avoid distractions such as cell phones, reading materials, alcohol, or drug use while supervising swimmers.
Drowning incidents are not limited to large bodies of water. They can occur in swimming pools, lakes, rivers, bathtubs, and even water-filled buckets. Non-fatal drowning incidents can also have serious consequences, including brain injuries, long-term disabilities, and costly hospitalizations.
For homeowners with swimming pools, safety barriers are critical. Pools should be enclosed by a four-sided fence at least four feet high, with self-closing and self-latching gates. Toys and other objects that may attract children should be removed from pool areas when not in use.
Officials also caution against relying on inflatable floaties, arm bands, or water wings as safety devices. These products can slip off easily and may create a false sense of security. Instead, children and adults should wear properly fitted, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when participating in water activities.
The Eastern Upper Peninsula is surrounded by some of the most beautiful—and potentially dangerous—waters in the country. Both Lake Michigan and Lake Superior can present hazards, even during warm summer weather.
Cold water temperatures, strong currents, sudden drop-offs, rapidly changing weather conditions, and high waves can quickly create dangerous situations for swimmers and boaters. Before heading to the beach, residents are encouraged to check weather forecasts, water conditions, and local beach advisories. Swimmers should stay within designated swimming areas whenever possible and never swim alone.
Boaters and anglers throughout the LMAS district should also practice safe boating habits. Everyone aboard should have access to a properly fitted life jacket, and children should wear life jackets at all times while on a boat. Operators should avoid alcohol, monitor weather conditions, and ensure vessels are equipped with all required safety gear.
Free Life Jackets Available
To help keep local children safe around the water this summer, the LMAS District Health Department offers the following resources:
- The Manistique and Alger offices have a limited supply of children’s life jackets available at no cost for families in need.
- Families in the Manistique area may contact Leann Espinoza at (906) 341-6951 ext. 125.
- Families in the Alger area may contact Cassie Tebear at (906) 387-2297.
- Later this summer families in Newberry may visit the new Free Life Jacket Lending Library at the Luce County Park Beach. The lending library was donated by the Luce County Communities That Care Coalition. For additional information contact Jamie Rushford (906) 293-5107 ext. 344.
- Families in Mackinac County have access to lifesaving stations placed along high-risk areas of the coast, equipped with life rings, life jackets, throw bags, and surf rescue boards. Maintained by the Mackinac Water Safety Review Team.
LMAS encourages all residents and visitors to make water safety a priority this summer. Taking simple precautions can help ensure that everyone enjoys the season safely.