Essential Water Safety Tips for Families: Protecting Lives in and Around Water

The clocks have sprung forward, the sun has re-emerged, birds are chirping… Is spring o-FISH-ally on the horizon?! As kiddos and their families get ready to take on spring break and hit the water, ready to laugh and make memories, it’s important that everyone is prepared with essential water safety tips!

You, of course, never plan for an accident to happen, but you can plan to help prevent them. Knowing key water safety skills, and ensuring your kids do too, can put your mind at ease. These water safety tips will help your family take the right precautions to be safer in and around the water this spring!

A Goldfish Hero in Action

Unfortunately, drowning is one of the most tragic accidents that can happen, and it doesn’t discriminate. Knowing what to do and how to react can ultimately save a life – just like it did for Goldfish swimmer Sebas, who was comfortable enough in the water to not only keep himself safe but to be a hero in saving another child.

Sebas, a 9-year-old swimmer at Goldfish – Astoria in New York, had a terrifying moment on his family’s post-holiday staycation. While enjoying a fun day at the hotel pool, Sebas noticed what appeared to be a doll floating face-down in the water. He quickly realized it was a lifeless little girl who had encountered a water emergency and had gone unnoticed by her family nearby.

Sebas acted fast, pulling her from the water while his mother ran for help. Emergency personnel arrived quickly, and thankfully, the little girl survived. Sebas’ quick thinking and water safety skills made all the difference – talk about a fintastic little hero!

Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning

Drowning is a silent event. Unlike what we see in movies, drowning doesn’t look like drowning, waving, or splashing. A child who is drowning may appear calm and simply float face down in the water, just as the little girl in the hotel pool did. This is why one of the most crucial water safety tips is constant supervision.

A Safer Swimmer Guard  should always be designated before kids enter the water – someone whose only responsibility is to keep their eyes on the children. No phones, no books, no distractions. Even looking away for a second could be too long.

Learn to Recognize the Signs

It’s easy to miss the signs of a child in distress in the water. When Sebas saw the little girl floating motionless, he didn’t immediately recognize it as an emergency – both he and his mother thought it was a doll. That’s why it’s so important to understand the difference between playing in the water and struggling.

Whether at a beach, hotel, or even a backyard pool, staying present and attentive around the water is essential. Not every pool has lifeguards, and even if they do, extra vigilance is key!

Teach Kids to Swim and Build Confidence

Enrolling kids in swim lessons goes beyond learning to swim from one side of the pool to the other. It’s about gaining confidence and knowing what to do to stay safe in and around the water.

These water safety skills are so important that we even take them on the road with our W.A.T.E.R. Safety Presentations! Remember these crucial water safety tips with the simple acronym:

  • W – Wear your life jacket (a Coast Guard-approved one, of course!)
  • A – Act. Throw, don’t go
  • T – Take swim lessons
  • E – Educate. Learn swim safety skills
  • R – Respect. Play it cool and follow the rules

Water Safety Gear is Important, But Not a Substitute for Supervision

Sebas’ sister, Nina, was wearing a Coast Guard-approved floatation vest AND being watched closely by her mom. While water safety gear is helpful, it should never be the only layer of protection. Supervision is always essential, and children should always be within arm’s reach, especially if they are still learning how to swim.

Create Layers of Protection

As a parent or guardian, implementing multiple layers of drowning prevention is essential. This includes:

  • Adult Supervision – Never leave children unattended around water
  • Swim Lessons – Teaching your child how to swim is one of the most important things you can do to ensure their safety
  • Barriers – Install pool fences, alarms, or gates to prevent unsupervised access
  • Floatation Devices – Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets, but remember, they’re not a substitute for supervision

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Accidents can happen quickly, and knowing how to act can make all the difference. If you’re not already trained, consider learning CPR and basic first aid. Parents and caregivers should always be prepared to act fast in an emergency.

As we head into the warmer months and more families begin to hit the pool and beach for a family vacation, prioritize these water safety tips! Vigilance is key, and just like in Sebas’ story – it can save a life! Check out the NDPA Vacation Water Safety Checklists, get your kiddo into swim lessons, and have a serious conversation with other adults in your family about how to be a diligent water guardian. Together, we can make a difference and save lives!