Making a Splash Safely: Essential Water Safety Tips for Families This Summer

FGO Staff
3 days ago
3 min read

Summer and water go hand in hand. Whether your family spends time at the neighborhood pool, splash pad, lake, water park, or backyard kiddie pool, water can provide hours of fun, exercise, and family memories. But it also comes with risks that every parent and caregiver should understand.

The good news is that many water-related injuries can be prevented through simple habits, active supervision, and preparation. Here are some important ways to help keep children safe around water this summer.

Start with a Water Watcher

One of the most effective safety practices is designating a "Water Watcher." A Water Watcher is an adult whose only job is supervising children in or near water.

That means:

• No scrolling on a phone

• No reading

• No grilling

• No conversations that pull attention away from the water

Children can get into trouble quickly, and many water emergencies happen faster and more quietly than people expect. If multiple adults are present, consider rotating Water Watcher duties every 15 to 20 minutes to help maintain focus.

Life Jackets Save Lives

Many families use floaties, water wings, pool noodles, and inflatable toys. While these can be fun for play, they are not safety devices. For young swimmers and children around open water, experts recommend Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Life jackets provide reliable flotation and are designed to help keep a child's head above water. They are especially important when boating, fishing, visiting lakes, or spending time around rivers and other natural bodies of water.

Teach "Ask Before Water"

One simple rule can make a big difference: Always ask an adult before going near water. Teach children to ask permission before entering:

• Pools

• Hot tubs

• Splash pads

• Lakes

• Ponds

• Rivers

This habit helps ensure that an adult is aware of where children are and can provide supervision.

Pool Safety Starts Outside the Pool

Water safety isn't only about swimming. When swim time is over:

• Close and latch gates

• Lock doors leading to pool areas

• Remove toys from the water

• Empty kiddie pools

• Store ladders and equipment safely

Children are naturally curious. Reducing unsupervised access to water is an important layer of protection.

Open Water Requires Extra Caution

Lakes, rivers, and beaches present unique challenges. Unlike swimming pools, open water often includes:

• Uneven bottoms

• Strong currents

• Changing depths

• Limited visibility

• Watercraft traffic

Even strong swimmers should use extra caution around natural bodies of water. When in doubt, wear a life jacket.

Know the Signs of Trouble

Many people imagine a child struggling in the water will splash, yell, and wave for help. In reality, a child in distress may be unable to call out. That's why active supervision is so important.

Watch for:

• Head low in the water

• Difficulty staying upright

• Glassy or unfocused eyes

• Sudden silence

• Attempts to climb an invisible ladder

If something doesn't look right, act immediately.

Build Safe Water Habits

Children learn through repetition. Before swimming, ask:

Who is today's Water Watcher?
Do we have life jackets if needed?
Does everyone know the rules?
Is the swimming area safe?

These simple questions can become habits that help keep children safe all summer long.

The Bottom Line

Water should be a source of fun, confidence, and connection, not fear. By designating a Water Watcher, using life jackets appropriately, teaching children to ask before entering water, and maintaining active supervision, families can greatly reduce risk while enjoying everything summer has to offer. This summer, make safety part of the routine so the focus can stay on making memories.