ER Doctor Sees One Drowning Case a Day in the Summer. These Are the 3 Precautions She Warns Families to Take (Exclusive)

With the summer months upon us, many families are flocking to pools and beaches to enjoy the warm weather. However, as Dr. Beachgem, a pediatric emergency room physician based in St. Petersburg, Florida, emphasises, increased water activities come with heightened risks, particularly drownings. Each summer, Dr. Beachgem’s practice sees approximately one drowning incident on a daily basis, further highlighting the severity of water-related injuries.

Dr. Beachgem has been serving as an emergency room doctor for nearly ten years, developing a significant online presence on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Through her social media accounts, she shares insights from her daily work, offers safety tips, and engages with families about essential health matters. As part of her outreach, she underscores the importance of water safety, a critical issue during the sunny months.

“Drowning is preventable 100% of the time,” Dr. Beachgem states. Yet, she warns that these incidents can occur unexpectedly and with alarming frequency. Unlike many other emergencies, drowning often happens quietly and swiftly, making vigilant supervision indispensable.

The nature of the cases that Dr. Beachgem encounters is quite varied. While some results are tragic, others involve non-fatal drownings that could still leave lasting impacts on a child’s development. To mitigate these risks, she advises families to implement “layers of protection” against accidental drownings. By establishing multiple safety measures, parents can significantly reduce the likelihood of their child being at risk around water.

One crucial step Dr. Beachgem recommends is enrolling children in swim lessons as soon as they are able. She particularly highlights the Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) programme, which is designed to equip young children with vital water survival skills. These lessons can provide children a sense of confidence and competence in water environments.

In addition to swim education, Dr. Beachgem urges parents to invest in safety measures around pools, including erecting self-closing and adequately high fences to prevent unsupervised access. She also stresses that these pool barriers should remain secure at all times when not in use, adding that any doors leading to pool areas should be equipped with locks and alarms.

Moreover, having a sober adult on watch whenever children are swimming is crucial. Dr. Beachgem insists that this adult should be fully attentive and engaged, as distractions can lead to lapses in supervision, which can have dire consequences.

While water safety is of paramount importance, Dr. Beachgem also highlights other potential hazards of summer. One such concern is sunburn, particularly in sunny states like Florida. She advises families to consistently apply sunscreen, wear hats, and consider long-sleeve clothing to protect their skin from harmful UV rays.

In recent years, Dr. Beachgem has noted an uptick in injuries related to e-bikes, urging young riders to wear helmets and be mindful of the rules of the road. She believes if children cannot demonstrate the ability to follow traffic regulations, they may not be mature enough to ride bikes safely.

Another pressing issue during the summer heat is dehydration and heat exhaustion. Dr. Beachgem cautions families to remain vigilant about hydration, recommending that they keep water or electrolyte-replenishing drinks available, especially during outdoor activities. “It’s really, really hot out there,” she remarks, noting how easily one can become dehydrated without realising it.

As families venture out to enjoy the warm months, Dr. Beachgem’s advice serves as a reminder to take precautions and ensure safety for both children and adults. By prioritising education, establishing physical barriers, and remaining vigilant, families can help create a memorable and safe summer experience.