(WAND) — As warm summer days approach and families gear up for the pool or trips to the beach, several Illinois agencies are teaming up to promote a life-saving strategy to keep children safe in or near the water.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Safe Kids Illinois and Lurie Children's Hospital are teaming up to promote designating a water watcher.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14.
To help keep families safe, Illinois DCFS has created a printable water watcher tag that clearly identifies the adult responsible for supervising children during water activities, helping ensure that someone is always alert and watching them.
"Drownings often happen quickly and silently, even when adults are present," Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller said. "Designating a water watcher, someone who agrees to remain near water and maintain constant visual contact with all children without distractions like devices, socializing or consuming alcohol, ensures there is always an adult who is responsible for supervising children during water-related activities. It's a simple tool that can save a child's life."
Illinois DCFS said the designated water watcher commits to:
- Remaining in constant visual contact with all children in or near water.
- Remaining by the water unless relieved by another water watcher.
- Not looking at phones or other devices, consuming alcoholic beverages or socializing.
- Calling 911 in an emergency.
In 2025, 24 Illinois children died in accidental drownings, including 12 in pools and eight in lakes, rivers or ponds. 50% of the children were age 5 and younger, including nine of the children who drowned in pools.
Printable water watcher tags and more water safety tips can be found on the DCFS website.
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