As summer travel hits its peak, and many families head to coastal areas or other water-focused locales, I wanted to offer some water safety tips that may be of value to your readers. 
According to the CDC and WHO, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths, worldwide, and there are nearly ten water-related deaths, per day, in the U.S. alone.
In its role as a travel safety advocate, AIG Travel has published its 2019 water safety tips for domestic and international travelers, as well as those who plan to visit local beaches, pools, lakes or otherwise during the summer months:
- Take selfies safely. Unheard of a few years ago, this trend has recently become a significant hazard. While taking a selfie on the water may seem picture-perfect, the photo you have planned could pose a great risk to yourself and others. Take note of the surrounding area and snap pictures on steady ground.
- Check local beach conditions. While seldom considered, if you’re visiting beaches in the U.S., you can often rely on the flag system for water safety. If traveling abroad, though, a flag system may not be available, so you should check in with your hotel’s concierge or the local lifeguard for more information.
- Learn to swim. While it may seem obvious, one of the best things you can do to prevent a water accident is ensure all your family members know how to swim. Check your local American Red Cross for age-appropriate water orientation and swimming courses.
- Never leave children unattended. Currents and underwater hazards can prove to be unexpected dangers in the water. Children who cannot swim should always be monitored even if they are wearing flotation devices.
- Wear a life jacket. Whether a child or adult, life jackets are important while using recreational water vehicles. When swimming, inexperienced or small children should wear life jackets and be constantly supervised.
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