Water Safety Tips Every Parent Should Teach Their Kids

Teaching children about water safety is one of the most important responsibilities for parents, especially if you have a swimming pool. While swimming can be a fun and healthy activity, it also comes with serious risks. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children, but with proper education and precautions, many of these incidents can be prevented.

This article highlights essential water safety tips every parent should teach their children. By reinforcing these lessons early and often, you’ll help your kids stay safe and confident around water.

1. Always Swim with Supervision
One of the most important water safety rules is that children should never swim alone. They should always have an adult supervising their activities, whether at home, a community pool, or the beach.

Tips to Reinforce This Rule:

• Explain that supervision keeps them safe and helps in emergencies.

• Use the term "water watcher" to designate an adult who is fully responsible for supervision.

• Encourage your children to check with you before entering any water.

This habit reduces the risk of accidents by ensuring a responsible adult is always present.

2. Learn How to Float and Tread Water
Floating and treading water are essential life-saving skills that give children time to stay above water in case of an emergency.

How to Teach These Skills:

• Start in shallow water where your child can stand comfortably.

• Show them how to spread their arms and legs to stay afloat.

• Gradually practice treading water by moving arms and legs in a circular motion.

These skills can make a critical difference in situations where they might not be able to reach the pool edge.

3. Never Run Around the Pool
Slips and falls around the pool area can lead to serious injuries or even accidental falls into the water. Teaching your children to walk, not run, is a simple but crucial safety rule.

Ways to Reinforce This Behavior:

• Set a clear rule that there is no running near the pool.

• Use phrases like "feet on the ground" to remind them.

• Install non-slip surfaces around the pool area to reduce the risk of falls.

Making this rule a habit helps minimize accidents, especially during playtime.

4. Understand Pool Rules and Emergency Protocols
Children should know and respect pool rules, including how to react in an emergency. Teaching them basic emergency responses equips them with the knowledge to handle unexpected situations.

What to Teach:

• Never push or play rough near the pool.

• How to call for help in an emergency.

• Where safety equipment, like life rings or rescue hooks, is located.

Practicing these protocols can make a life-saving difference when seconds count.

5. Stay Away from Pool Drains and Filters
Pool drains and suction outlets can pose a hidden danger due to strong suction that can trap hair, clothing, or body parts. It’s important to teach children to stay clear of these areas.

Safety Tips for Pool Drains:

• Explain why drains and filters are dangerous.

• Ensure that your pool’s drain covers comply with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act.

• Supervise young children closely to prevent accidental contact.

Understanding this hazard can prevent potentially life-threatening situations.

6. Learn Basic Swimming Skills
Enrolling your child in swimming lessons is one of the best ways to build their confidence and safety in the water. Children who know how to swim are better equipped to protect themselves if they fall into a pool unexpectedly.

Swimming Skills to Focus On:

• Basic strokes like freestyle and backstroke.

• How to safely enter and exit the pool.

• Floating, breathing control, and underwater swimming.

Start lessons at an early age and practice regularly to reinforce these skills.

7. Wear Safety Gear When Necessary
Life jackets and flotation devices can provide added protection, especially in deeper water or when boating. However, it's important to teach children that these devices are a supplement to, not a replacement for, swimming skills.

When to Use Safety Gear:

• During water activities like boating, kayaking, or paddleboarding.

• For younger children or weak swimmers in unfamiliar or deep water.

• When swimming in open water with strong currents.

Make sure all safety gear is properly fitted and meets U.S. Coast Guard standards.

8. Understand the Importance of Pool Fencing
While water safety education is crucial, physical barriers like pool fences provide a critical layer of protection. A well-maintained, compliant fence prevents unsupervised access to the pool and reduces the risk of drowning.

Fence Safety Features to Emphasize:

• Self-closing and self-latching gates.

• Climb-resistant materials and appropriate height.

• Proper enclosure of the entire pool area.

For professional installation and compliance guidance, reach out to New Jersey Pool Fence to ensure your pool is secure.

Conclusion
Water safety is a shared responsibility, and educating your children is one of the best ways to prevent accidents. By teaching these essential tips—such as swimming with supervision, learning life-saving skills, and respecting pool rules—you’ll help them build a strong foundation for safe water enjoyment.

At New Jersey Pool Fence, we’re committed to helping families protect their loved ones. Contact us today to learn how we can support your water safety efforts with expert advice and pool fencing solutions. Together, we can create a safer environment for everyone.