Jun 19, 2025
In this episode of ParentingU, Dr. Kristen Sandoz, pediatrician with Our Lady of Lourdes Children’s Health, dives into one of the most important topics of summer: keeping kids safe around water.
From pools to puddle jumpers, Dr. Sandoz shares what every parent needs to know — including why drowning is so dangerous (and often silent), how to spot a real-life water emergency and what tools can make a big difference. You’ll hear practical tips for every age and stage, plus the truth about so-called “dry drowning” and when to start swim lessons.
Whether you're heading to the beach, the backyard pool or a splash pad, this episode will help you feel more confident and prepared.
Key Moments:
- Alarming Reality of Drowning for Young Kids – 1:03
- What It Means to Be a Water Watcher – 2:20
- How to Recognize Drowning – 3:46
- ‘Dry Drowning?’ Setting the Record Straight – 4:45
- Swim Lesson Options – 8:30
- Layers of Protection – 10:50
- Are Puddle Jumpers Safe? - 12:08
- CPR Training for Parents – 13:15
- Everyday Drowning Risks – 14:30
Read more from Dr. Sandoz on our blog: https://health.fmolhs.org/body/childrens-health/watch-the-water-to-keep-kids-safe-this-summer/
Learn more about Dr. Sandoz: https://doctors.lourdesrmc.com/provider/kristen-finney-sandoz/1962541
Download a Water Watcher tag: https://health.fmolhs.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/WaterWatcherTag_CHTau_2024.pdf
Learn more about the National Drowning Prevention Alliance: https://ndpa.org/