May is National Water Safety Month.

Published 05/01/2026

National Water Safety Month promotes water safety education for children and adults, particularly ahead of the summer swimming season. 

Safety Tips

With the promise of summer comes more time spent near and in the water. Here are some tips to keep your family safe while enjoying all types of water activities.

• American Red Cross’s Water Safety Resources: The American Red Cross believes that consumers who improve water competency, which includes swimming skills and water smarts, can make water activities safer … and just as much fun. Find swim classes, learn how to make water safety a priority, know what to do in an emergency, and understand why you should embrace water safety.
• World Waterpark Association’s Water Safety Tips: Swimming is one of life’s greatest pleasures. #BeWaterAware so you can stay safe and enjoy the water at the same time. Learn more about water safety and follow important safety tips.
• National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) Resources: Drowning happens quickly and quietly, so no single prevention strategy is enough. Learn all 5 Layers of Protection through NDPA's videos and brochures. By learning this information, you can prevent a tragedy and save a life. NDPA also has a free Water Safety Season Toolkit, a full campaign schedule compiled of NDPA’s top social posts, video PSA’s, sharable blogs, press release templates, printable documents, and more resources to help you advocate for water safety and drowning prevention from May through August. 
• Pool Safely’s 7 Safety Tips: Swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs are great places for family fun. Ensure everyone follows these simple steps to stay safer in and around water. Pool Safely offers a variety of educational materials—from posters to videos for adults and children—that can help you easily share water safety information, whether it’s with friends and neighbors or at public pools.
• Home Pool Essentials Course: The Home Pool Essentials course was developed by the American Red Cross and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance to teach home pool owners the basics of pool, spa, and hot tub maintenance as well as strategies for creating a safer pool environment. This course is ideal for home pool, spa, and hot tub owners, in addition to home inspectors, parents, and other health advocates.
• The American Red Cross Free Swim App: Get the most out of your American Red Cross swim lessons with the American Red Cross Swim App, which was created as a companion to the Learn-to-Swim program. The app is designed to keep the swimmer motivated while providing the latest in water safety guidelines to ensure the swimmer’s well-being in and near water. The app is available in google play and iOS.
• Step Into Swim: Learning to swim means much more than learning strokes; it is learning water survival skills, water safety, and developing comfort in the water. Every child deserves access to safe swimming education and the ability to feel confident, inspired, and empowered in the water. In funding learn-to-swim programs across the country, Step Into Swim is making waves in the name of drowning prevention and serves as a go-to resource for all things water safety. Apply for grants for your facility, donate to provide swim lessons to underserved children, and find swim safety resources all at stepintoswim.org.
• United States Swim School Association: The United States Swim School Association offers parents information on water safety, as well as things to look for when choosing a swim school here on our website.
• Pentair: Pentair shares 6 tips for diving into National Water Safety Month. Pentair strives to help pool owners create a fun and effortless experience for all who dive in.

Learn more at National Water Safety Month 

Memorial Day Weekend May 23-25, 2026

Memorial Day weekend is a busy time. From honoring those who gave their lives serving in the armed forces to family gatherings, the traditions of this holiday weekend are long. Gear up for summer by reviewing, sharing, and following these safety tips.

Memorial Day Safety Tips

Quick Tips

• Grills should be placed well away from the buildings, deck railings, eaves, and overhanging tree branches.
• Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
• Before a car trip, have a mechanic check the vehicle’s brakes, heater, defroster, tires, and windshield wipers.
• Pay attention. If someone is attempting to drive drunk, stop the person and call a taxi service or loved one.
• Check weather forecasts daily, purchase an all-hazards weather radio and have multiple ways to receive weather alerts.

Distracted Driving

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), in 2024, “nearly one in five crashes on Texas roads were caused by a distracted driver.” 373 people died and 2,587 were seriously injured in these crashes. 

Distractions while driving can include:

• Cell phone use: this includes texting, taking or making phone calls, recording videos, using social media, and checking or sending email
• Passengers and pets inside the vehicle
• Events outside the vehicle (i.e., construction, other vehicles, pedestrians, a crash)
• Eating
• Adjusting your GPS, music, podcast, or audiobook
• Using your vehicle’s touchscreens

All distractions can be dangerous. Distracted driving can impact both drivers and passengers. In Texas, it is illegal to read, write, or send a text while driving. Violators can face a fine of up to $200.

TxDOT safety tips: 

• Always give driving your full attention. 
• Pull off the road entirely and come to a complete stop before you talk or text. 
• Put your phone away, turn it off, or use an app or your phone settings to block texts and calls or send an auto-reply to texts while you are driving.
• Tell friends, family, and coworkers you won’t respond to calls or texts when you are behind the wheel.

Remember that all distractions are dangerous, so pay full attention when behind the wheel. 

The Injury Prevention Unit celebrates Texas Injury Prevention Champions all year long. These champions are public health professionals and everyday Texans working to prevent injuries and create a safer, healthier Texas.

Do you know a Texas Injury Prevention Champion making a difference in your community? Nominate them to be featured in our Champions of Texas Injury Prevention Newsletter and webpage.