Water Safety Education
At Water Safe Swim, we believe that water safety education is the foundation of every child’s swimming journey. Our mission is to empower families with the knowledge and skills needed to prevent water-related accidents and ensure that children are confident, safe, and prepared in and around the water. Led by Miss Julie, a passionate expert in water safety, our program provides both essential water safety skills and supplemental education on the layers of protection surrounding water safety. Whether you're a first-time swimmer or looking to refine your skills, we are here to help you every step of the way in creating a safe and enjoyable water experience for your family.
Water Safety Layers
CHECK THE WATER FIRST
If you ever cannot locate a child, seconds matter. Always check all water areas first such as pools, bathtubs, ponds, buckets, and any other water sources. Only after thoroughly checking water areas should you proceed to look elsewhere.
Never leave your child alone in or near water, including the bathtub - not even for a second. Vigilance and immediate action can make all the difference in preventing water-related tragedies.
CONSTANT SUPERVISION
While constant supervision is the only guaranteed way to prevent drowning, it’s important to recognize that supervision can break down.
FACT. Our senses take in 11 million pieces of data every second but the human brain can only process 40-60 pieces of data at any given second and everything else we become ‘blind’ to. This is called Inattention Blindness and it is out of our control. Our brains ‘see’ the louder, brighter, stronger and longer lasting things. Drowning is none of these. It is silent, subtle (under the water) and quick. To ensure your child’s safety, use designated Water Watchers and practice segmented supervision.
Delegate a responsible adult (who can swim) to oversee safety. This task should never be given to an older sibling, as it is too much responsibility for a child. Consistent and clear supervision practices are essential for keeping children safe around water.
Never assume someone else is watching. If you and your spouse are near water, even if you do not plan to swim, decide who will supervise, then switch roles periodically to stay alert. Using a Water Watcher card or similar visual cue can be helpful to clearly identify who oversees supervision at any given time.
BARRIERS, SAFE WATER ENVIRONMENT
To ensure safety around backyard pools, hot tubs, ponds, or lakes, follow these critical measures. By combining these measures, you create multiple layers of protection, significantly reducing the risk of water-related accidents.
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Install four-sided fences with self-latching gates that close and lock automatically, around water areas. Fences should completely enclose the water.
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Place door and window locks up high, out of reach of children.
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Install chimes or alarms on doors and windows with access to the water areas.
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Use motion-sensing cameras to monitor the water area.
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Secure pet doors to prevent small children from accessing the water.
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Keep the pool water clean and clear for better visibility.
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Maintain a high water level in the pool to ensure children can safely reach the edge.
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Clear the area of toys, chairs, ladders, or anything that might entice a child to climb in or be used to access the water.
CPR
While our goal is to educate parents and equip children with essential water safety swim skills, it’s crucial to remember this critical water safety layer: in the event of a water accident, CPR is the only life-saving action that can help after the incident occurs.
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TIME IS CRITICAL. You have approximately 5 minutes or less to provide oxygen to the brain to prevent permanent damage or death.
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LEARN CPR. Both for children and adults, and update your certification regularly.
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GIVE BREATHS. Oxygen is vital to the brain and must be restored quickly.
FACT. Additional factors, such as cold water, natural water, and holding one’s breath, can sometimes extend the survival window for drowning victims.
SKILL THE CHILD - WATER SAFE SWIM LESSONS
Choose a swim program that focuses on water safety and teaches survival swim skills as its foundation.
Programs that incorporate real-life swim scenarios alongside survival techniques help children develop the competence and confidence they need to navigate water environments safely. By mastering these essential skills, your child will be better equipped to enjoy the water while staying safe and prepared for unexpected situations.
Start teaching your children as soon as they can talk to always ask for permission before entering any body of water. This simple but vital rule instills awareness of water safety and ensures that a responsible adult is present and attentive. By reinforcing this habit early, you create a standard for safe behavior that can save lives. This proactive approach helps children develop a healthy respect for water while ensuring they recognize the importance of having a responsible adult nearby whenever they are near or in a body of water.
BATHING SUIT COLORS
Always dress your child in bright, high-contrast colors when they are in or near water. Colors like neon yellow, orange, or bright pink are easier to spot both above and below the surface.
Avoid clothing in blues, grays, whites, and some greens, as these colors can blend into the water and make it harder to see your child, especially underwater. This simple precaution can significantly improve visibility, adding an extra layer of safety.
DO NOT USE FLOTATION DEVICES FOR SWIMMING
Flotation devices are not intended and are not U.S. Coast Guard approved for swimming. While they are often marketed as suitable for swimming, a closer examination of the fine print will reveal that these devices are only U.S. Coast Guard approved for CLASS III Personal Flotation Device (PFD) use. Life jackets, Puddle Jumpers, water wings, or any type of flotation device are specifically designed for quick rescue in open water situations, not for swimming or swim training.
It is crucial to understand the difference between marketing claims and the actual intended use of these products. When used for swimming, flotation devices can provide a false sense of security to both the parent and the child. This can lead to overconfidence and potentially dangerous situations in the water.
Moreover, these devices encourage a vertical posture in the water, which is counterproductive for learning proper swimming techniques. Effective swimming requires a horizontal position to maintain buoyancy and mobility. Relying on flotation devices for swimming can delay the development of these essential skills. In fact, the vertical posturing associated with these devices can increase the likelihood of drowning if the child finds themselves in a situation without the device.
To ensure water safety, parents and caregivers should prioritize supervised swim lessons that teach proper swimming skills. Understanding the limitations of flotation devices and their appropriate use is key to keeping children safe around water.
NOTE. Always adhere to local laws regarding the U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) or life jackets on all open water moving vessels, including paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, jet skis, and rafts. For infants and toddlers, the safest option is a Class III PFD designed without a back flap and equipped with a leg strap for added security
Life Jacket. Fit + Sizing
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Fit and size are important in keeping a child's head above water. Do not get a too-big Life Jacket thinking your child will grow into it. This will defeat the purpose. A Life Jacket must fit snugly where upon lifting a child, their chin and ears should not slip through.
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FACT. Many babies and toddlers don’t like wearing a life jacket. If possible, familiarize + prepare them ahead of time at home so they are more comfortable wearing it.
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The BEST U.S. Coast Guard APPROVED Life Jacket is a CLASS III.
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Sizing for infants and children depends on weight. Use the following guidelines for sizing your child.
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Infant: 8 to 30 pounds.
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Child: 30 to 50 pounds.
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Youth: 50 to 90 pounds.
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The 3 Must-Have Features
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Grab Handle: For easy retrieval in emergencies.
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Crotch Strap: To ensure a secure fit and prevent slipping.
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No Neck Pad: To avoid pushing the child’s head forward in the water.
WARNINGS
Flotation Devices Are NOT Swim Aids: This includes all Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), life jackets, puddle jumpers, water wings, and similar products. Marketing claims often mislead consumers to boost sales, prioritizing profit over your child’s safety.
IMPORTANT. Life jackets are NOT U.S. Coast Guard-approved for use during swimming activities. They are specifically designed and approved for quick rescue purposes only. Life jackets may cause the wearer to float face down and are not designed to support an unconscious or weak swimmer in a back float position. Their primary purpose is to keep the wearer on the surface of the water, facilitating a quick rescue.
