Beaches, pools, boats— it’s how we spend our weekends, raise our kids, and build our lives in Florida. But as summer begins, we must remember that water, no matter how familiar, always demands caution. When the unthinkable happens, fast action can be the difference between life and tragedy. 

Just recently, a teenager was swept nearly a mile offshore by powerful currents. Thankfully, that teen survived because of the fast, coordinated response from Martin County Fire Rescue, Ocean Rescue, the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Coast Guard. 

As a father, I am deeply concerned about water safety because, at the end of the day, drowning is preventable. Whether in a backyard pool or the open Atlantic, the danger is real, and it takes only seconds for a situation to turn. 

This summer, I urge every family to take simple, life-saving precautions like these:

Designate a water watcher. One adult should be fully focused on supervision with no distractions or multitasking.

Secure your pool. Locked gates, barriers, and alarms save lives.

Teach kids to swim early. Floaties and life jackets are not a replacement for fundamental skills.

Understand ocean safety. Swim near lifeguards, and if caught in a rip current, stay calm and swim parallel to shore.

These steps save lives and ensure that no parent has to experience the heartbreak of losing a child. It’s about building a culture of awareness, preparedness, and shared responsibility. We’ve seen how fast emergency responders can make a difference. Now it’s on us to do the same and stay just as ready. When every second counts, preparation saves lives. Protecting our families can’t wait.