Swimming lessons are an important part of keeping kids safe around water, but they’re only one piece of the puzzle. Whether your family is enjoying a backyard pool, visiting the beach or spending a day at the lake, children need several layers of protection to help prevent drowning.
Even children who know how to swim can get into trouble in the water. Here are five important water safety tips every parent and caregiver should know.
1. Always Supervise Children Around Water
Active adult supervision is the most important part of water safety. Young children and inexperienced swimmers should always be within arm’s reach of a responsible adult when they’re in or near water.
Avoid distractions like phones, conversations or other activities while supervising swimmers. If you’re gathering with family or friends, designate an adult to watch the water and take turns so someone is always paying attention.
Remember, drowning can happen quickly and quietly, even in shallow water.
2. Enrol Kids in Swimming Lessons
3. Use Properly Fitted Life Jackets
Children should wear an appropriately sized, approved life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) when boating and during other activities where one is needed. Young children and inexperienced swimmers should also wear one when playing near open water.
Choose a life jacket or PFD designed for your child’s weight and size, and make sure it fits snugly.
Inflatable toys, water wings and pool noodles are not safety devices and should never replace proper flotation equipment or adult supervision.
4. Secure Backyard Pools and Other Water Hazards
If you have a backyard pool, install a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate to prevent unsupervised access. Check your municipality’s pool fencing requirements and keep gates locked when the pool isn’t in use.
Empty kiddie pools, buckets and other containers after use, and keep hot tubs securely covered.
Remember that water hazards aren’t limited to swimming pools. Ponds, streams, bathtubs and even shallow water can pose risks to young children.
5. Be Prepared for Water Emergencies
Knowing what to do in an emergency can make a critical difference. Parents and caregivers should consider taking CPR and first aid training, including water rescue safety.
Keep rescue equipment and a phone nearby when using a backyard pool. At public beaches and swimming areas, choose locations supervised by lifeguards whenever possible.
Teach children basic water safety rules, including never swimming alone, asking permission before entering the water and staying away from strong currents.
Make Water Safety a Family Priority
Swimming and water activities are wonderful ways for families to stay active and enjoy time together. By combining swimming lessons with active supervision, proper safety equipment and a few important precautions, parents can help make every outing safer.
For more information and advice, visit the Canadian Paediatric Society’s Water Safety Guide or explore resources from the Lifesaving Society.
