4 ways to teach water safety to young children

With the temperatures hitting triple digits in most of Arizona, going to a pool always sounds fun and refreshing.

According to stopdrowningnow.org, 3,400 people drown each year, and drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1 to 4 years old, followed by children 5 to 9 years old. The site states that “no one is drown-proof, and drowning doesn’t discriminate.”

This is why it is imperative to expose children to water safety at a young age. If you have not started to introduce them to ways to be safe around water, it is not too late! Here are four tips parents and caregivers can implement to teach water safety to young children.

1. Explore swim lessons. Even if you as a parent can swim, you may not know the best way to teach your children. Parents can find many options for swimming lessons, and some instructors will even come to your home. City parks and recreation departments tend to offer swim lessons at a low price, with some even hosting free sessions. It is worth looking into the options and seeing what is best suited for your family.
2. Supervise always. Even if your child is a great swimmer, regardless of their age, keeping an eye on them is extremely important. Accidents can happen when we least expect it, and you need to act fast around water. If you don’t plan on joining your children in the pool, create a shady oasis for yourself nearby where you can unwind, while still remaining vigilant.
3. Discuss clear pool rules. Ensure your children know that with pool time comes non-negotiable rules. These can be rules such as: You can’t enter a pool without an adult present; you must only walk around a pool; you must wear proper flotation devices if you’re still learning how to swim, etc.
4. Practice safety scenarios. There is no such thing as being too prepared for an emergency. Practice expelling kids from a flotation device or even pushing them into the pool from the edge (once they can swim, of course) so they can learn to react appropriately and find their way out of the pool safely. Discuss these drills with them before doing them, and model them too.

What are some ways your family stays safe in the water during the summer months? Share your favorite water safety tips with us at Arizona PBS Kids on Facebook.

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About the author

Marissa Will is the mother of two, Olivia (8) and Logan (6). Writing was her first passion: she’s a freelance writer and a Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication alumna. Will is currently educating the future leaders of tomorrow: She has spent the past nine years educating third grade with a master’s degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University-Yuma.