Drowning Prevention: Why Every Parent Needs This Film

Jan de Vries · 2026-06-04

### A Personal Wake-Up Call I almost drowned as a kid. It was a hot summer day at a crowded pool, and in one split second, I slipped under the water. No one saw it happen. That memory never leaves you. It's why I'm writing this now, and it's why Ed Accura's documentary *No Lifeguard* needs to be on your watchlist. This film isn't just another safety video—it's a raw, real look at how quickly things can go wrong and what we can do to stop it. ### What *No Lifeguard* Gets Right Ed Accura doesn't just talk about drowning statistics. He dives deep into the moments before a tragedy happens. The documentary focuses on three key areas: - **Drowning prevention**: Simple, actionable steps that can save lives. - **Water safety**: Why knowing how to swim isn't enough. - **Judgment**: The split-second decisions that matter when you're near any body of water. Accura's approach is honest. He doesn't sugarcoat the risks. Instead, he shows us that drowning is often silent, fast, and preventable if we pay attention. It's not about fear—it's about respect for water and the people in it.  ### Why Judgment Matters More Than You Think You'd think that most drownings happen in deep oceans or rough rivers. But they often occur in calm pools, bathtubs, or even shallow ponds. The real danger? Overconfidence. We assume we're safe because the water looks calm or because someone nearby knows how to swim. *No Lifeguard* challenges that assumption. It makes you question: Are we really watching our kids? Are we really prepared? ### Practical Steps for Every Parent After watching the documentary, you'll walk away with a few simple habits that can make a huge difference. Here's what I took from it: - **Designate a water watcher**: At any gathering near water, pick one adult whose only job is to watch the kids. No phones, no chatting. Just eyes on the water. - **Learn the signs of drowning**: It's not like the movies. A drowning person can't wave or yell. They're quiet, often bobbing up and down with their mouth at water level. - **Invest in proper life jackets**: Not the inflatable toys you buy at the store. Real, Coast Guard-approved vests for every child, no matter their swimming ability. ### The Bottom Line *No Lifeguard* isn't just a documentary—it's a tool. It's a reminder that water safety isn't common sense; it's learned behavior. Ed Accura has given us a gift by sharing his story and his research. If you're a parent, a teacher, or anyone who spends time near water, carve out 60 minutes to watch this. It could save a life, and it might even be yours. I've seen too many close calls. Let's not wait for another one. Watch the film, share it, and start the conversation. Because when it comes to drowning, prevention is everything.