EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — As families head to pools, lakes and splash pads for the holiday weekend, a local drowning prevention specialist is urging El Paso residents to take simple steps that can save lives.

Ana Acosta, who serves on the Drowning Prevention Coalition of El Paso, shared practical ways families can stay safe around water this summer, with a focus on drowning prevention.

Speaking to KFOX14/CBS4 on Wednesday, Acosta said supervision is a vital tip for families who are around water, as drownings often happen quickly and quietly, and recommends designating a water watcher.

“So drowning doesn’t happen as it does in the movies. There’s no splashing, there’s no waving, there’s no screaming. The person just goes underwater and nobody, until somebody notices that they’re missing. It’s quick, and it’s silent. So that’s why supervision is key,” Acosta said. You might think that somebody else, especially since there are so many adults, that somebody is watching them, but they’re also assuming that you might be the one watching them. So it’s important to design a specific water watch.”

She added that a pool floaty is not a recommended way to prevent drownings.

“So one of the things with quickly and quietly, you think that a personal device, like a floaty or a pool ring, will work and you can turn your back, but it gives you actually a false sense of security. So what happens is they can put them on, and they slip right under, and they go under. The only thing that we do recommend is a US Coast Guard-approved life jacket,” Acosta said.

Acosta also highlighted local resources for families, including information about swim lessons, community events, and water safety tip sheets available in the El Paso area.

“I do recommend that everybody learn to swim, teach your kids to swim as soon as possible, but also to learn CPR. There are so many ways to learn how to swim, and so many places that are willing to help you. The county pools, the city pools, YWCA, YMCA, Fort Bliss, Wet N Wild. There are so many places to have fun in the water this summer, and to stay safe,” Acosta said.

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