Water Safety for Children

As schools start letting out this upcoming week and the summer heat sets in, families are looking forward to their trips to pools, lakes, and beaches to cool off and have fun. While water activities are one of the main highlights of summertime, it’s crucial to remember that water safety is key—especially for children.

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental deaths in children, and it can happen quickly and silently. Whether your child is a strong swimmer or just learning, constant supervision is the most important way to keep them safe. It is easy to think in a group full of adults or other family members that there is someone watching the children near water, but in all reality there could be no one. There needs to be a designated adult who is sober and is responsible for keeping eyes on kids at all times when they’re near water. Even experienced swimmers can get tired, caught in a current, or injured, so active monitoring is essential.

Here are a few essential tips to practice water safety:

-Enroll children in swimming lessons early to help build confidence and skills in the water.

-Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets for young children and inexperienced swimmers—especially near natural bodies of water.

-Teach children to never swim alone and to stay away from drains or suction outlets in pools.

-Fence off pools with self-latching gates, and keep toys out of the water when not in use to prevent unsupervised access.

-Model safe behavior by always swimming with a buddy and avoiding distractions like phones when supervising kids.

Swimming and water activities can be a source of fun, play, and lifelong memories made with family and friends, but it demands our respect and attention. With a few simple precautions and a watchful eye, your family can enjoy a safe summer in the pool, lake, or at the beach. There are several options for swim lessons for children in our surrounding areas. If you would like help in getting set up with swim lessons or need resources, please reach out!