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As someone who investigates drownings and has spent 26 years as a lifeguard, I’ve witnessed firsthand how quickly and quietly accidents can occur in water. While countless articles stress the importance of vigilance, especially for parents, I find that much of the advice is impractical. To address this, I’ve compiled my own list of actionable tips to ensure water safety. Here are ten strategies I employ to keep my children safe while swimming.
#1: Establish Safety Briefings
This practice began during swim lessons, where my kids learned to ask for permission before entering the water. I’ve expanded this into a brief meeting where I outline safety expectations. My children know to wait (often impatiently asking, “Mom, what do we need to know…can we go yet?!?!”) until I finish the briefing. I cover where they can swim, how to jump in safely, and the consequences for breaking the rules. These meetings instill respect for the water, as they sometimes forget its dangers amidst the fun of aquatic centers and pools. As parents, we must prioritize safety alongside enjoyment, and I love to include my kids in these discussions. They often have valuable insights about potential hazards that I might overlook!
#2: Understanding Water Depths
My kids have learned to recognize water depths and their implications based on their height. My 6-year-old knows that 4 feet of water is over his head, while my 8-year-old daughter understands that at this depth, she needs to tread water. This knowledge empowers them to make informed decisions about where to swim, preventing misunderstandings like “But mom, Jayden gets to go over there!” Yes, but he’s 6 inches taller!
#3: Escape Techniques
During a recent hotel swim session, I had to jump in fully clothed to rescue two struggling children. This experience underscored the importance of teaching my kids how to escape if someone grabs them in a panic. I’ve taught them to “suck, duck, and tuck”—take a breath, go under the water, and push away with their arms and legs, then call for help. Moreover, I emphasize that personal space is crucial, even around adults who might not be strong swimmers.
#4: Distraction Reminders
I encourage my kids to hold me accountable for their safety. They know one of us should always be watching. To combat distractions, I’ve started using a reminder app that alerts me every minute to check on them. It’s a simple yet effective way to maintain focus, especially since our minds can wander amidst the chaos of poolside activities. Designating a “water watcher” is a great idea, but they must remain undistracted and vigilant.
#5: Scheduled Breaks
We swim for set intervals, usually around 30 minutes, followed by breaks. I need these breaks just as much as my kids do! As a lifeguard, I learned that even supervision requires mental freshening up. We give time warnings for breaks, and if I need to step away for any reason, everyone must exit the water.
#6: Limited Trust
While some may find this perspective harsh, I only trust myself or my husband to supervise our kids in the pool. If they swim at Grandma’s house, they wear lifejackets. If they’re at the beach with cousins, it’s the same rule. I’ve seen too many situations where parents delegate responsibility and then face consequences. My children may complain, but they know the alternative is not to swim.
#7: Making Lifejackets Cool
There’s often a negative perception of lifejackets, but they can be fun! I encourage everyone to wear them during swim parties. It not only enhances safety but can also turn into enjoyable games. The more kids see lifejackets as cool, the less resistance there is to wearing them.
#8: Educating About Drowning
My children understand what drowning looks like and that it can happen to anyone, regardless of swimming ability. I explain the reasons behind our rules, fostering a healthy respect for water. Our goal is to cultivate water-smart adults. I recommend checking out our ALIVE Water Smart Kids online training for further insights!
#9: Recognizing Risky Behavior
Phrases like “Hey, watch this…” often precede risky actions. I use these moments to discuss boundaries and making safe choices around water. My kids now recognize these cues not only in themselves but also in others, fostering a culture of safety.
#10: Encouraging Vigilance
I include my kids in our safety protocol. They are instructed to monitor each other and report any potential dangers. For instance, when my daughter noticed a boy underwater, she counted to five and considered calling for help if he hadn’t surfaced. This proactive approach empowers them to act rather than ignore situations.
In summary, my experience has shown that establishing a culture of safety around water is essential. Engaging children in discussions about water safety and ensuring they understand the risks involved can significantly reduce drowning incidents.
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