As both a parent and swim instructor, I understand the challenges of keeping kids safe around water—and the fears that come with it. I often hear from parents who feel overwhelmed by the responsibility, and I want to help you! 

When it comes to drowning prevention, there’s no single solution. It’s about building a layered safety strategy that works together to protect your child. Think of it as creating a safety net: each layer, like swim lessons, supervision, and clear rules, strengthens your child’s protection. The more layers you have, the safer they’ll be.

Whether it’s a pool, beach, lake, or even the bathtub, water can be both fun and dangerous. Tragically, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, drowning is the leading cause of death for children under 4 years old, and it happens quickly and quietly—without the splashes or calls for help you might expect. I don’t say this to scare you but to underscore the importance of implementing proactive strategies. By taking proactive steps, you can significantly reduce risks and give your child the tools they need to enjoy water safely.

One essential part of this strategy is teaching your kids about water safety early and often. And what I love most about this strategy is that you can teach even the youngest toddlers about water safety rules. In this post, I’ll share practical tips for having water safety conversations with your children, from setting simple rules to reinforcing safe habits. We’ll also explore additional steps, like enrolling in swim lessons, to create a comprehensive water safety plan. Let’s dive in!

How to Talk to Your Kids About Water Safety

Teaching your kids about water safety should start with simple rules and consistent conversations that build over time. And you can start today! Here’s a practical approach:

1. Create Simple, Clear Rules Around Water Safety

Just like other rules in your home, water safety rules should be simple, clear, and easy for children to remember. Kids learn best when they have straightforward guidelines to follow, and introducing water rules can be done just like you would with rules about crossing the street or touching the oven. Here are two rules to start with: 

Rule #1: Always Ask Permission Before Entering Water

Start by teaching kids that they should never get in the water without first asking an adult. This rule is particularly useful because even toddlers understand the importance of asking for permission, making it an easy concept to apply. You can make this rule relatable by comparing it to something they already ask permission for, like a snack. Try explaining it this way:

"Just like you ask before getting a snack, you need to ask me before going in or near any water."

Even young children can grasp this concept, and it builds a natural habit to always ask an adult for permission, reducing the risk of them wandering into the water alone. Over time, it helps reinforce the idea that water activities should always involve asking for permission. 

Rule #2: Never Get In or Play Near the Water Without an Adult

Building on Rule #1, explain that even with permission, they should never play near or get in water without an adult. Remind them that adults are there to keep things fun and safe. Setting these rules early helps young kids understand boundaries and can drastically reduce water accidents in the future. Here's what you can say:

“You always ask for permission and you never get in the water without an adult.”

2. Be Serious, But Not Scary

While it’s essential to discuss the potential dangers of water in a serious way, you don’t want to  create fear around it. Kids can develop unnecessary anxiety about water if it’s presented as something scary. Instead, you want to foster a positive relationship with water by emphasizing that water can be fun when the rules are followed. 

Over my 15 years of teaching swim lessons, I’ve seen many kids with an intense fear of water. Sometimes, this fear comes from a previous traumatic experience or a parent’s own anxieties about water. If water is always discussed as something scary, children may develop a fear response that can make swim lessons harder and cause anxiety around activities like bath time. Overcoming a fear of water is one of the hardest hurdles to overcome in swim lessons. Instead, aim for a balanced approach:

"Water can be dangerous, but it can also be so much fun! It's only fun if we stay safe while enjoying it. That’s why I’m here with you, so you can enjoy the water without worrying!"

This way, you can help your child learn both safety and confidence, giving them the tools they need to develop a positive, balanced relationship with water, which will help them when it comes time to learn to swim. 

3. Talk About Water Safety Consistently 

Water safety isn’t a one-time conversation; it’s something that needs to be discussed regularly. Whenever you’re around water—whether it’s a bath or a friend’s pool—take the opportunity to reinforce safety rules. Point out areas that might be slippery, talk about the importance of asking for permission, and remind them to never get in the water without an adult.

These don’t need to be formal conversations—short, casual comments help reinforce safety rules without creating fear. These consistent, casual reminders help kids internalize the importance of water safety over time, becoming habits around water.  

Here’s a good way to practice: 

• Before you get in the pool with your child, ask them: “What are the rules for the water?” 
• Over time your child will know the answer and be quick to tell you the rules: “Always ask permission and never get in the water without an adult!”
• You can praise them by saying: “Great job - those rules are to keep you safe. Let’s get in the water together!” 

4. Use Everyday Water Activities to Reinforce the Rules

Everyday water activities, like bath time or washing hands, offer great opportunities to reinforce water safety messages in a safe environment. Bath time can help children practice asking for permission and show them safe behaviors in a relaxed and comfortable setting.

For example, remind them:

"Remember, bath time is fun, but you always need to ask permission before getting in water and have an adult with you to stay safe!"

By turning daily activities into teaching moments, you’re making water safety a natural part of their lives. Over time, they’ll begin to apply these same behaviors to larger bodies of water, like pools or beaches.

5. Explain what Flotation Devices Can and Cannot Do 

While we do not recommend puddle jumpers (we’ll write a blog post on this soon), there are times when other flotation devices are necessary and wise! But be careful - flotation devices can give parents and kids a false sense of security in the water. If you put your child in a flotation device, it’s crucial to explain to your child what the flotation device can and cannot do. They can help children stay afloat, but you need to teach your kids that these devices aren’t substitutes for knowing how to swim or having adult supervision. 

Here’s how you can tell them:

"Floaties help you float, but they don’t make you a swimmer. That’s why it’s so important to have an adult with you and to learn to swim!"

Setting this expectation early on helps kids understand that real swimming skills matter, and floaties alone aren’t enough. This understanding encourages children to work on building their swimming ability, preparing them for more independence in the water as they grow.

Additional Steps to Protect Your Kids Around Water

In addition to teaching water safety rules and creating a positive relationship with water, here are some additional steps to keep your kids safe around water.

Enroll in Swim Lessons Early

High quality swim lessons are the best and most effective investment you can make in your child’s safety around water. Studies have shown that children who take swim lessons from a young age are at a significantly lower risk of drowning. The AAP even changed their guidelines and recommends swim lessons for children as young as one year old.

Look for classes that emphasize water safety and include age-appropriate swimming and floating techniques. If high quality swim lessons aren’t immediately possible, start by introducing basic water skills at home, such as holding your breath and practicing safe entries. Start today with our free guide on water safety activities for toddlers.

Supervise Closely and Consistently

Even if your child knows how to swim, dedicated adult supervision is non-negotiable anytime there is water present. Drownings can happen in seconds and often without any noise. Maintaining active supervision is one of the most important parts of drowning prevention.

Keep your attention focused on the child at all times, whether at a pool party or in the bathtub. If you need to step away, make sure another responsible adult takes over watching.

Learn CPR

In an emergency, knowing how to perform CPR can be lifesaving. This is a valuable skill for parents and caregivers to have. Many organizations, like the American Red Cross, offer CPR classes online and in person. Being prepared with child and infant CPR skills is another layer of protection that can make all the difference in an emergency situation.

Use Multiple Barriers to Limit Water Access

Physical barriers can significantly reduce the risk of water accidents. Self-latching pool fences, locked gates, and covers for hot tubs are essential for keeping young children out of water when unsupervised. In your home, be mindful of keeping bathroom doors closed and bathtubs empty when not in use. These simple precautions can be lifesaving.

Make Water Safety a Ongoing Priority

Water safety is an ongoing journey, not a one-time conversation. By establishing simple safety rules, encouraging a balanced perspective on water, reinforcing safety in daily activities, and enrolling your kids in swim lessons, you’re helping them develop a healthy, confident approach to water.

The goal isn’t to scare children about water dangers but to give them the tools to navigate water with safety. With each conversation and reminder, you’re teaching them that water can be fun if the rules are followed. 

You can start this today! You'll be amazed how quickly your kids pick up and internalize the rules on water, adding another strong layer to your water safety strategy.