Water Safety Tips for Children: Keeping Kids Safe Around Water This Summer

 

As temperatures rise and families begin spending more time outdoors, pools, beaches, lakes, and backyard water activities become a favorite way for children to have fun and cool off. But with more water exposure comes increased risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death for children. The good news? Most water-related accidents are preventable with the right safety habits.

1. Never Leave Children Unsupervised Around Water

This is the number one rule of water safety.

Whether it’s a bathtub, kiddie pool, swimming pool, lake, or beach, children should always be actively supervised by an adult. Drowning can happen quickly and silently—in as little as 20 to 60 seconds.

Water watcher tip: Assign one adult as the designated “water watcher” whose only responsibility is supervising children in or near water. No phones, reading, or distractions.

2. Enroll Children in Swim Lessons Early

Swimming is a life skill every child should learn.

Age-appropriate swim lessons can help children build confidence, improve water awareness, and reduce drowning risk. While swim lessons are valuable, they are never a substitute for supervision.

Look for certified instructors and programs that teach:

  • Floating and treading water
  • Safe pool entry and exit
  • Basic stroke skills
  • Emergency response basics

3. Use Proper Life Jackets

If your family spends time boating, fishing, or near open water, children should always wear a properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

Water wings, inflatable toys, and pool noodles are fun—but they are not safety devices.

Life jackets are especially important for:

  • Boats
  • Lakes
  • Rivers
  • Beaches with currents
  • Docks and piers

4. Secure Pools and Backyard Water Areas

Home pools can be convenient—but they also create constant risk.

Pool owners should install:

  • Four-sided fencing at least 4 feet high
  • Self-closing, self-latching gates
  • Pool alarms
  • Door alarms leading to pool areas
  • Locked access when not in use

Don’t forget smaller hazards too, including:

  • Buckets of water
  • Decorative ponds
  • Hot tubs
  • Kiddie pools (empty after every use)

5. Learn CPR and Basic Emergency Response

In an emergency, every second matters.

Parents, grandparents, babysitters, camp staff, and caregivers should learn:

  • CPR for infants and children
  • Rescue breathing
  • Emergency action steps for drowning incidents

Immediate CPR can significantly improve survival outcomes while waiting for emergency responders.

6. Teach Children Water Rules

Children should understand simple but important water safety rules such as:

  • Never swim alone
  • Ask permission before going near water
  • No running near pools
  • No diving in shallow water
  • Stay away from drains and pool filters

Repetition matters. Review these rules often, especially before outings.

Make Water Safety a Family Priority This May

Water activities create wonderful summer memories—but safety should always come first.

By combining supervision, swim education, proper equipment, and CPR preparedness, families can reduce risk and enjoy water safely all season long.

This May, let’s commit to making child water safety a priority.

Stay alert. Stay prepared. Save lives.

Interested in learning CPR Certification? Contact First Assist for upcoming certification classes and family safety training opportunities.

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