Water Safety Tips

May is National Water Safety Awareness Month and as we get closer to summer it is a sad fact that the warmer weather months (May-August) make up two-thirds of annual childhood drownings (according to Total Aquatics Programming data). That's why I am so proud to partner with Goldfish Swim School and share 5 water safety tips for parents and guardians to help keep kids safe this summer!

Disclaimer: This post is brought to you in partnership with Goldfish Swim School. This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

5 Water Safety Tips From Goldfish Swim School

As fun as it is to go to the beach or spend a day by the pool, it is important to remember that drownings are still the number one cause of unintentional death among children between the ages of 1 and 4.

Goldfish Swim School offers year-round swim lessons for children as young as 4 months, to 12 years of age. Their classes are taught with a research-based philosophy called "The Science of SwimPlay" and the offer small class ratios of 4 students to 1, lifeguard certified instructor.

There are currently over 125 Goldfish Swim School locations, check to see if one is open near you and enroll your child today!

5 Water Safety Tips | 1. Enroll in Swim Lessons

Did you know swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88%? 

Swim lessons help increase muscle memory by practicing basic techniques for kids to use during a water emergency; the crab walk, properly getting in and out of the pool, going under water, rolling on their back, treading water, learning different strokes, and more! 

5 Water Safety Tips | 2. Never Swim Alone

This tip goes for adults just as much as it does for children. Swimming alone is never safe and children should be taught to always have a buddy in the water.

Remember, children can drown in as little as two inches of water.

5 Water Safety Tips | 3. Wear a US Coast Guard Approved Life Jacket

When it comes to life jackets, FIT MATTERS!

If your head or ears can slip down beneath the life jacket the device won’t be able to work as designed. This means the life jacket won't be able to keep your head (or your child's head) above water and allow for proper breathing.

5 Water Safety Tips | 4. Designate a Water Guardian

Make sure to keep your eyes on your kids at all times, even if lifeguards are present.

When spending a day near water, be sure to designate an adult “Water Guardian” AND change guardians every 30 minutes so he/she is alert and refreshed.

For the Water Guardian vigilance is key, that means no chatting and no checking your phone.

5 Water Safety Tips | 5. Follow the Rules

Review the rules together as a family before letting your kids play in the water.

Often times pools will have posted signs, read the rules and make sure your child(ren) understand them. It may be a good idea to have them repeat the rules back to you to really get them to stick. 

It is also important to pay attention to pool hours, and to try and schedule your swims when lifeguards are present if they are on site.



We can all benefit from following these 5 safety tips, water safety does not end at adulthood.

If you are a parent or guardian of young children remember to be vigilant when near or around water, accidents can happen at anytime to any person.