The Importance of Water Safety Tips

Water Safety Isn’t One Thing. It’s Layers.

Supervision

Always maintain constant, undistracted visual contact. Designate a Water Watcher.

Survival Skills

Children should learn how to roll, float, breathe, and reach safety independently.

Life Jackets

Use properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jackets when around open water.

Barriers

Use four-sided fencing, self-latching gates, alarms, and locked doors to prevent access.

Not All Swim Lessons Are Created Equal

Some programs focus on play, comfort, and gradual progression. Survival swim programs focus on independent, life-saving skills. Confidence without competence can create risk. The goal isn’t just to enjoy the water — it’s to survive it if necessary.

What Is Survival Swim?

Survival swim teaches children how to save themselves in the water.

  • Breath control (not blowing bubbles)
  • Roll onto the back to float and rest
  • Swim, then return to a float
  • Repeat until they reach safety

These are real, functional skills.
And they can be learned in weeks — not years.

How to Choose the Right Swim Program

Before enrolling your child, ask:
Can they explain exactly what skills my child will learn?

  • Can they estimate how many lessons it will take?
  • Are lessons consistent (multiple days per week)?
  • Is instruction one-on-one?
  • Do they teach independent survival skills?

If they can’t clearly answer these, keep looking.

What Parents Often Get Wrong

  • “Swim lessons make my child safe” → ❌
  • “Floaties help teach swimming” → ❌
  • “I’ll hear if something is wrong” → ❌
  • “I don’t need to know CPR” → ❌

Drowning is silent and can happen in less than 30 seconds.

Find a Qualified Swim School

If you’re looking for a program that teaches true survival skills:
Find a Swim School. These schools specialize in survival-based instruction.
The schools listed are:

  • Professionally trained
  • Certified in survival swim methodology
  • Experienced in teaching young children life-saving skills

Real Skills Can Save a Life

Water safety is not one decision — it’s a combination of layers. The earlier a child learns, the safer they can be. Take the Next Step
  • Find a Swim School
  • Apply for a Scholarship
  • Support Water Safety
Swim Schools
Scholarships
Donate

Why This Conversation Is Everywhere Right Now

@emiliekiser

I hope sharing this helps people and educates people🤍 love you guys🥺

♬ original sound - Emilie
@safeswimtips If your child fell into the pool, would they know what to do to survive? #drowningprevention #baby #babyswimming #swimfloatswim #floatingsaveslives #swim #pool #survivalswimlessons #babyswim #infantswim #infantswimlessons ♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) - Danilo Stankovic

For more water safety resources visit NDPA.org.