As someone who investigates drownings and has spent 26 years as a lifeguard, I’ve seen how quickly and quietly tragedies can unfold. While there’s a wealth of information on water safety, I often find that much of it isn’t practical. Therefore, I’ve compiled a list of 10 essential tips to help keep kids safe around water, drawn from my personal experiences and observations.
#1: Conduct Safety Briefings
Our approach starts with a simple rule from swim lessons: always ask for permission before entering the water. I’ve expanded this into brief safety meetings where I discuss where my children can swim and how they can jump in safely. These discussions often occur while we apply sunscreen, and my kids know the rules and the consequences of not following them. This instills a sense of respect for the water and ensures they understand that fun and safety can coexist.
#2: Understand Water Depths
My kids are well-informed about water depths and what those depths mean in relation to their height. For instance, my 7-year-old knows that 4 feet of water is above his head, while my 9-year-old realizes she needs to tread water at that depth. This understanding helps them make informed decisions and prevents situations where they might feel overconfident.
#3: Escape Techniques
During a recent swim session, I instinctively jumped into the water fully clothed to rescue two struggling children. This experience taught me the importance of teaching my kids how to escape if someone grabs onto them. I’ve instructed them on the “suck, duck, tuck” method: take a breath, duck under, and push away. They must also know to quickly call for an adult if they find themselves in a similar situation.
#4: Stay Focused
I encourage my kids to help keep me accountable for watching them. If either my partner or I aren’t paying attention, they know to get our attention. I even use a reminder app to alert me every minute to check on them. This method helps counter distractions that come with daily life.
#5: Schedule Breaks
We designate breaks during our swimming sessions, usually every 30 minutes. These breaks are crucial for both my kids and me, as they allow us to rest and recharge. As a lifeguard, I learned the value of rotating responsibilities to maintain focus.
#6: Trust Your Instincts
While I appreciate family and friends, I only trust myself or my spouse to supervise our kids in the pool. If they are swimming elsewhere, they wear life jackets. It’s important to maintain control over who is responsible for their safety.
#7: Embrace Lifejackets
Lifejackets have a bad reputation, but I believe they should be celebrated. We incorporate them into games, making them “cool” for my kids and their friends. The more kids wearing life jackets, the safer everyone is.
#8: Educate on Drowning
My kids know what drowning looks like and that anyone can drown, regardless of their swimming ability. They understand the importance of taking breaks and entering the water safely. This knowledge helps them develop a healthy respect for water.
#9: Recognize Risky Behavior
Phrases like “Hey, watch this…” often precede risky actions. I use these moments to discuss boundaries and safe practices around water, helping my kids learn to recognize when someone might be in danger.
#10: Encourage Vigilance
I encourage my kids to watch out for one another. They know to count if they see someone underwater and to alert an adult if someone doesn’t resurface. This buddy system adds an extra layer of safety.
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In summary, these practical water safety tips can significantly reduce the risk of drowning and ensure a safer experience for children. By actively engaging with our kids, educating them about water safety, and maintaining vigilant supervision, we can foster an environment where fun and safety thrive together.