We need to help young children understand that water can be just as dangerous as moving traffic in the street. The more we talk about swimming pool and open water safety, the easier it becomes for children to make smarter decisions.

Wear a “Pool Watcher Badge” and take accountability for being the parent on duty when children are in the pool. Taking the approach that ‘everyone is watching’ really means ‘no one is responsible’. Check out our Pool Watcher Program and let us send you a Badge & Lanyard for free.

Take the time to know what a child in distress looks like. Children drown silently and quickly, often when they are vertical in the water with their heads tipped back. Unlike what you see in movies – a child rarely splashes, flails their arms or yells for help.

Children can silently slip beneath the surface and drown in seconds, in less time than it takes post on Instagram. That said, you should keep your phone fully charged and within reach in case of an emergency.

The goal with young children is to make them comfortable in the water. Recognized swim programs integrate the fundamentals of survival techniques, water safety, and swimmer confidence.

Instead of waiting for emergency responders – having CPR Certification means you can make the difference between life and death in drowning cases, or anytime a person’s heart stops.

Floating devices such as water wings, noodles, inner tubes, and floaties are never a substitute for a dedicated Pool Watcher. In fact, children often feel more confident with floating devices, which can increase the risk of accidents or drowning.