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Following the heartbreaking loss of her son, this mother is dedicated to educating others about the hidden risks of swim masks.
By Laura Bennett
Updated: August 17, 2019
Originally Published: April 12, 2019
On what should have been a joyful day celebrating her son Jason’s last day of kindergarten, his family gathered for a swim in their backyard pool. At just 6.5 years old, Jason had learned to swim at the age of four but was still apprehensive about putting his face underwater. To ease his fears, he often wore a swim mask while swimming.
Jason’s mother, Sarah Thompson, shared her devastating story with us. Despite having two adults supervising poolside, neither realized that Jason’s mask had filled with water, cutting off his ability to breathe and leading to his drowning within moments. Sarah suspects that in his panic, he couldn’t remove the mask quickly enough (drowning can occur in as little as 20 seconds). “We thought the mask would help him overcome his fear,” Sarah explained. “This was misguided thinking. Swim instructors and parents must understand that it’s unreasonable to expect a young child to handle a flooded mask; they need to be confident in removing it underwater.”
It took Sarah many years to come forward with the details of Jason’s tragic accident, but now she is on a mission to inform other parents about the potential dangers of swim masks when not used correctly. “Jason passed away on June 23, 2003. It was only much later, when I felt ready to share, that I realized the topic of mask safety is rarely discussed,” she recalled. “Perhaps it’s a sign that some discussions happen when they are meant to.”
The anguish Sarah has endured over the years is unimaginable, but her commitment to raising awareness about this critical issue has the potential to save lives. Recently, she collaborated with the National Drowning Prevention Alliance to create an informative video about the risks associated with swim masks, set to be presented at their convention in New Orleans on April 17th.
Guidelines for Swim Mask Safety
Dr. Mark Hargrove, the chairman of the International Drowning Prevention Alliance, emphasized in the video that there are crucial guidelines all parents should adhere to in order to prevent drowning, particularly concerning swim masks:
- Enroll your child in swimming lessons from reputable organizations such as the YMCA, American Red Cross, or private swim schools.
- Ensure your child is comfortable being underwater before introducing them to swim masks. The mask should not be a tool for acclimatization; they must be ready on their own first.
- Never depend on flotation devices for your child’s water safety.
- Always practice “touch supervision” — mere poolside observation is insufficient. Maintain close contact even after your child has learned to swim.
- Familiarize yourself with the signs of drowning (details can be found here) and learn CPR.
- Discourage your child from diving headfirst while wearing a mask or goggles.
In addition to ensuring professional swim instruction, consider starting lessons as early as possible. The Academy of American Pediatrics recommends beginning lessons between the ages of 1 and 3, as drowning is the leading cause of injury-related fatalities in this age group.
After hearing Sarah’s story, I am reconsidering allowing my children to use swim masks. While they have their place and can be beneficial for some kids, proper fitting and knowledge of safe usage are vital.
In the National Drowning Prevention Alliance video, diving expert Anna Reed discusses swim mask safety and shares her insights:
- Opt for masks made from silicone; cheaper alternatives made from PVC can deform, leading to leaks.
- A properly fitting mask should pass the “flower sniff” test—when you inhale, no air should escape, ensuring a secure seal.
- Ensure the mask fits neither too tightly nor too loosely, maintaining its position even when the child moves their head.
As Sarah poignantly states, “Masks are not toys. They are not inherently dangerous, but they pose risks for children who are not equipped to respond to a flooded mask and who lack confidence swimming underwater without something covering their eyes and nose.”
This summer, Jason would have turned 22. Sarah’s mission is not only to prevent further tragedies like her own but also to honor her beloved son. Her advocacy is a powerful testament to the strength and resilience of a mother’s love.
While there’s no way to bring Jason back, we hope Sarah finds solace in the knowledge that her efforts may save other children from similar fates.
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Summary
After the tragic drowning of her son Jason, Sarah Thompson is determined to raise awareness about the dangers of swim masks. With insights from experts and a partnership with the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, she emphasizes the importance of proper use, swim lessons, and vigilant supervision to prevent similar accidents. Her advocacy aims to save lives and honor her son’s memory.