As the weather warms up, families naturally gravitate toward pools, beaches, and backyard sprinklers. But with all the summer fun comes an important responsibility — keeping kids safe around water. For parents of young children, water safety isn’t just a good idea, it’s a must.
Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death for children under five. But the good news? It’s largely preventable. With a few essential precautions and habits, you can enjoy the water with confidence and peace of mind.
Here’s what every parent needs to know:
- Supervision Is Your #1 Safety Tool
Children should always be actively supervised around any kind of water — not just pools or oceans. This means undistracted, focused attention within arm’s reach, especially for toddlers and non-swimmers.
Even experienced swimmers need eyes on them. Accidents happen quickly and silently, and drowning can occur in as little as 20–30 seconds.
Pro tip: Think of it as “touch supervision” — you should always be close enough to reach out and help instantly if needed.
- Swim Lessons Can Start Early
Many swim schools offer parent-child classes starting as early as 6 months. While these don’t “drown-proof” a child, they do help build water confidence, teach floating basics, and get kids comfortable in the water early.
By the time they’re toddlers, structured swim lessons can be incredibly valuable — both for safety and for setting a lifelong love of swimming.
- Use the Right Gear (and Skip the Floaties)
Inflatable arm floaties, tubes, and rafts are not life-saving devices. They can slip off, flip over, or give children (and parents) a false sense of security.
Instead, choose properly fitting, U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for boating or water play — especially around lakes, rivers, and open water.
- Learn CPR — You’ll Never Regret It
It’s a skill you hope you’ll never use, but one that could save a life. CPR classes are available online and in person through organizations like the Red Cross, local hospitals, or community centers.
Knowing what to do in those critical first moments can make all the difference while you wait for emergency help.
- Think Beyond the Pool: Hidden Water Hazards at Home
Many parents think of pools and beaches when they think “water safety” — but the bathtub, backyard, and even a bucket can pose serious risks to young children.
Be sure to:
- Drain bathtubs and kiddie pools immediately after use
- Use toilet seat locks
- Store buckets, coolers, and containers upside down
- Keep bathroom doors closed when not in use
It takes just 1–2 inches of water for a child to drown — so even shallow water can be dangerous.
- Set Up Safe Pool Environments
If you have a home pool, here are a few non-negotiables:
- A four-sided fence that completely separates the pool from the house and yard
- A self-closing, self-latching gate that kids can’t reach
- Pool alarms and secure covers for extra layers of protection
- No toys left in the pool when not in use — they can tempt curious kids
- Natural Water Comes with Its Own Set of Rules
Lakes, rivers, and oceans can be unpredictable. Always swim in designated areas where lifeguards are present and check for hazards like drop-offs, currents, and sudden weather changes.
Teach your kids what to do if they get pulled by a current: float, don’t fight — and swim parallel to the shore.
Final Thought: Build Water Respect, Not Fear
Water can be an incredible source of joy, confidence, and family bonding — if treated with respect and caution. Start talking about water safety early and often, and make it part of your everyday routine.
Because when kids are water-wise and parents are prepared, everyone wins.