Summer has arrived! For many families, this means spending more time at the pool, at the beach, or by the lake. Water play is one of the best ways for kids to cool down and have fun during those warm months.

Why Water Safety for Kids Matters

Drowning is one of the leading causes of injury-related fatalities among children, particularly those aged 1 to 4. Even older kids and teenagers are susceptible, and accidents can occur in the blink of an eye. Thankfully, with the right knowledge and habits, most water-related tragedies can be prevented. Teaching water safety is one of the most essential responsibilities parents, caregivers, and teachers have each summer.

The Basics: What Is Water Safety for Kids?

Water safety involves teaching both children and adults how to act responsibly around water, identify hazards, and respond in emergencies. This includes everything from proper supervision and swimming skills to the use of life jackets and knowing how to help someone in distress.

Supervision: The Golden Rule of Water Safety for Kids

Always Watch Closely

Supervision is the most critical aspect of water safety for kids. Children should never be left alone near any water, even for a moment, as drowning can happen quickly and quietly—often when adults aren’t paying attention. Here’s how to ensure proper supervision:

Always keep kids within arm’s reach while they’re in or around water.
Designate a “Water Watcher”—an adult whose sole responsibility is to observe the kids in the water, free from distractions like phones or conversations.
If you need to step away, take your child with you. Never rely on another child to watch them.

Touch Supervision

For younger children and those who aren’t strong swimmers, employ “touch supervision”—stay close enough to grab them if necessary.

Water Safety for Kids at Home

While pools and lakes often come to mind for water safety, many accidents occur right at home. Bathtubs, buckets, toilets, and even pet water dishes can be hazardous for young children.

Tips for Water Safety at Home:

Never leave a child unattended in the bath, not even for a second.
After using, empty tubs, buckets, and kiddie pools, and store them upside down and out of reach.
Always keep toilet lids and bathroom doors closed.
Consider installing door locks or alarms if you have a backyard pool.

Water Safety for Kids at the Pool

Pools can be a blast, but they also come with risks if the rules aren’t followed. Here are some key rules every child should know:

Don’t go to the pool without informing an adult.
No running near the pool, as wet surfaces can be slippery.
No pushing or jumping on friends in the water.
Never reach for toys or balls in the pool without an adult present.
Always check the depth before diving, and never dive into shallow water.
Stay in the shallow end unless permitted by an adult.

Pool Fencing and Alarms

All home pools should have a fence that stands at least four feet high, equipped with a self-closing and self-latching gate. Pool alarms can add an extra layer of safety.

Water Safety for Kids at the Beach, Lake, or River

Open water behaves differently than pools; it has waves, currents, and uneven ground, making it less predictable.

Open Water Safety Tips:

Always swim with an adult and never by yourself.
Swim only where a lifeguard is present.
Stay between the lifeguard’s flags or markers.
Never turn your back on the waves; they can knock you off balance.
Avoid swimming in canals or fast-moving water.
Teach kids how to recognize rip currents: if caught, swim parallel to the shore until you’re free from the current, then swim back to land.

Life Jackets: A Must for Water Safety for Kids

Life jackets can be lifesavers. Children under 12 should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket in proximity to lakes, rivers, or the ocean—even if they know how to swim.

Choosing and Using Life Jackets:

Select the right size so it fits snugly yet comfortably.
Ensure all straps and buckles are secure.
Test the fit by lifting your child by the shoulders of the jacket—it should not slide up above their chin or ears.
Never use arm floaties or water wings as substitutes for life jackets—they aren’t designed to keep kids safe.

Swim Lessons: Building Skills for Water Safety for Kids

One of the best ways to keep children safe is by teaching them how to swim. Swim lessons help kids learn vital skills like floating, treading water, and exiting the pool safely.

Sign kids up for swim lessons as early as possible.
Encourage regular practice of swimming skills, not just once a year.
Teach children to respect the water, not fear it—confidence comes from knowledge and practice.

Water Safety for Kids: 12 Rules Every Child Should Know

Teaching kids water safety rules is just as crucial as teaching them to swim. Here are 12 essential rules:

Always tell an adult before going to the pool or water.
Don’t run near the pool.
Always use safety gear or flotation devices when necessary.
If you see someone fall in, alert an adult instead of trying to rescue them yourself.
Don’t jump on or push friends into the water.
Look before diving—make sure it’s deep enough and clear of obstacles.
Don’t reach for toys in the pool without adult supervision.
Stay within the boundaries of lifeguard flags or markers.
Always face the waves and never turn your back on them.
Regularly check in with an adult.
Stay in the shallow end unless an adult says otherwise.
Never swim alone.

Staying Safe in the Sun and Heat

Water safety for kids also involves protection from the sun and heat.

Apply sunscreen before swimming and reapply it regularly.
Make sure kids hydrate every 20 minutes while playing outside.
Encourage regular breaks in the shade to cool down.

Emergency Preparedness: What to Do If Something Goes Wrong

Despite the best precautions, accidents can still happen. Being prepared is key to saving lives.

Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills—many local organizations offer training.
Keep a phone nearby to call for help during emergencies.
If a child goes missing, check the water first—seconds matter.
Teach kids how to call for help and what to do if they fall in (float on their back, shout for help, and try to grab the edge or a flotation device).

Water Safety for Kids: Special Considerations for Different Ages

Babies and Toddlers

Never leave them unattended in or near water, even for a moment.
Always use touch supervision.
Make sure to empty all water containers right after use.

School-Age Kids

Teach them water safety rules and swimming techniques.
Continue close supervision, even if they can swim.
Encourage the buddy system—never allow anyone to swim alone.

Making Water Safety for Kids Fun and Engaging

Learning about water safety for kids can be both enjoyable and informative. Use games, songs, and stories to convey important lessons. Many organizations provide videos, worksheets, and quizzes to help kids learn about water safety in a fun way.

Practice “what if” scenarios, such as, “What would you do if you noticed someone struggling in the water?”
Choose bright swimsuits to make kids easily visible in the water.
Take the Water Safety Pledge as a family or group.

Water Safety for Kids: A Community Effort

At Learning Ladder Academy, we believe that keeping kids safe around water is a shared responsibility. Parents, teachers, and the community must join forces to protect children.

Share water safety tips with friends and neighbors.
Support local swim programs and water safety initiatives.
Encourage everyone to learn CPR and basic rescue skills.

Make Water Safety for Kids Your Top Priority This Summer

Summer should be a time for fun, laughter, and memorable moments in the water. By prioritizing water safety for kids, you can help ensure that every splash is a safe one. Remember to supervise closely, teach the rules, use life jackets, and build swimming skills.

Stay up to date with the latest at Learning Ladder Academy by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

Water Safety for Kids This Summer