May is National Water Safety Month and we want to make sure your family is prepared! Here are 10 Water Safety Rules for You and Your Kids!

10 Water Safety Rules

What Does Water Safety Mean?

What does water safety mean to your family? We consulted with the British Swim School to learn more and they told us it means taking the necessary steps so that we all can safely be in and around the water. 

Children won’t know how to be prepared in a water emergency if you don’t teach them the ‘what-ifs’. Much like educating a child on how to call 911 in an emergency, take the time to train them!

10 Water Safety Rules

Water Safety Education

Rule number one is to educate!

Put your kids in swimming lessons and insist that they learn the life-saving technique of a back float.

Swim lessons are also a great opportunity to have a fun activity with the kids, but the education they learn in swim lessons could save their lives one day!

Educate the little one’s what to do if they see someone in trouble. Throw a life preserver, call 911, call for help, and at all costs, do not jump in after them! Even if our first instinct is to jump in and help.  

Follow Pool Rules

Talk to the kids about safe pool practices and to follow all pool rules. They are there to keep them safe!  

Be A Safe Swimmer

Make sure kids know not to play or swim near drains or suction fittings, always dive feet first, and to walk, not run in pool areas. Kids should also know that they cannot get in the water without permission from an adult first.

Have your family members and take the ‘Safe Swimmer Pledge’ and download water safety tips to keep handy.

Use The Buddy System

Never swim alone! You never know when something could happen so it is always a good idea to have a friend with you just in case.

Avoid Accidents

Make sure your home, condo, and neighborhood are safe from the possibility of a water accident.  

  • If you live in a condo, make sure they lock the doors and gates so little ones don’t wander into the pool alone. 
  • Make sure toys aren’t left in the pool attracting the kiddos to go in after them. 
  • Check that there are not benches or chairs that give children the opportunity to climb over safety fencing and access the water.  
  • If you have your own pool take the time to install safety monitors/sensors, locking gates, and even video monitors around your pool.  

Teach Caregivers

Teach your nanny or babysitter your pool rules if you have your own pool Insist your child’s caregiver knows water safety techniques if they are taking your kids to the pool or lake! They should never be on their phone while caring for your little ones around water and they should always keep a watchful eye on the kids!

They should never be on their phone while caring for your little ones around water and they should always keep a watchful eye on the kids!

Supervise

And finally, alway supervise anyone under the age of 16! Also, keep in mind that anyone under the age of 18 isn’t an adult yet. Don’t put them in charge of watching the kids in the water….  that is a hefty responsibility and burden to bear!  

Know Emergency Procedures

Know What to Do in an Emergency. If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.

You can enroll in courses like the Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid and CPR/AED to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies.

Pack a Life Jacket

Take Coast Guard-approved life jackets when going to the beach, lake or pool party to float properly. Never depend on inflatable floaties and toys. They are designed to entertain – not to save lives.

Be Cautious

Even if you do not plan on swimming, be cautious around natural bodies of water including ocean shoreline, rivers, and lakes. Cold temperatures, currents, and underwater hazards can make a fall into these bodies of water dangerous.

Safety Pledge

British Swim School Swimmer Safety Pledge

In addition to these 10 Water Safety Rules, British Swim School encourages everyone to take a moment with their family members and take the ‘Safe Swimmer Pledge’ at www.BritishSwimSchool.com/Water-Safety.  You will also find downloadable water safety tips and a ‘Water Watcher Badge’ program leaflet.  

Find Swimming Lessons

British Swim School now offers lessons for ages 3 months old to senior citizens. Adult beginner, Mommy & Me style programs, and so much more. Take a moment and check out their website at www.britishwimschool.com as they have ongoing lessons year round. You can also check www.usswimschools.com for a credible swim school in your neighborhood if there is not a British Swim School in your area.

 

 

10 Water Safety Rules is a sponsored post. Any opinions are my own.