Important Tips to Help Keep Kids Safe Around Water

With summer in full swing, pools and beaches are great spots to hang out (socially distanced, of course), enjoy the summer and keep the kids busy since so many other attractions are closed or not ideal during this pandemic.

Not only are the actual swimming skills important, but so is being comfortable and safe around water. As a mama, I’ve become hyper aware of all things safety in regards to the water, because you can never be too careful.


Once a week, every week, Bryce goes to Goldfish Swim School. He started in late February, and although Bryce’s swim lessons at Goldfish Swim School were on hold for a bit, our location has opened up, and he has been back at lessons for a few weeks now. (FYI- Goldfish is taking many precautions to make sure everyone is safe- from smaller class sizes and amount of people in the building, temperature checks, sanitizing all surfaces/dressing rooms, etc.)


After a brief hiatus, it’s been incredible seeing Bryce gain such momentum and improve with just a few weeks of Goldfish Swim School lessons under his belt (read about our initial experience here). His confidence and comfort level in the water has gotten so much better, too!


Bryce is swimming under water a bit now, floating more comfortably on his back, and while he clearly has many more swim lessons in his future until he’s at a place where I’d feel comfortable with him near the water, the fact that he’s learning important skills for water safety certainly makes me breathe easier.

With that said, I thought it’d be a timely topic to share some water safety tips! As parents, we can never be too careful, especially when it comes to our kid’s safety.

W – “Wear a life jacket”

Realize that floaties, noddles and plastic inner tubes do NOT protect against drowning. They are created as water toys, not life-saving devices. The U.S. Coast Guard has approved life jackets that can be worn while swimming or boating to keep you safe.

A – “Act. Throw, but don’t go!”

If you see someone in trouble in the water, throw an item for them to grab onto but NEVER jump in yourself, because you could be putting both of you in danger.

T – “Take Swim Lessons”

For anyone who doesn’t know how to swim, lessons help to keep you safe. Swim lessons are the best way to ensure you and your family stay safe! Plus, fun fact, did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics recently revisited its drowning prevention guidelines and recommends starting swimming lessons at age one? This is something that’s applicable to every child and every family.

E – “Educate”

The key to swim safety is knowing essential skills like treading water and rolling over to float and catch a breath. With education about swim safety, you’ll be prepared if something unexpected happens.

R – “Follow the rules”

Pay attention to posted rules and signage — listen to lifeguards, parents, coaches — the rules, and adults in charge, are there to keep everyone safe.


I hope these tips are as helpful for you and your family and they are for ours! Always a good refresher, and great way to teach the foundation of water safety for your littles!

This post is in partnership with Goldfish Swim School.