Water Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know
As the weather warms up and families head to the pool, lake, or beach, water safety becomes a top priority, especially for children. We asked our aquatic therapists, Allison Vachon, Occupational Therapist, and Amanda Morgan, Physical Therapist, to share their top tips for keeping kids safe in and around water. Both Allison and Amanda are also the swim instructors for our inclusive swim program here at Cheshire Fitness Zone, so they bring a wealth of experience in making swim time safe, fun, and accessible for kids of all abilities.
Whether your swimmer is just starting out or already confident in the water, building strong water safety habits can make a big difference. Here are some simple tips to help keep swimming safe and fun this season.
1. Build a Water Entry Routine
Before every swim, encourage a consistent routine. Have your child ask for permission to enter the water. This can be verbal (“Can I go in?”) or nonverbal (pointing to the pool and waiting for a nod). Making this pause part of your routine helps kids develop awareness, patience, and safety-minded habits.
2. Review Pool Rules Together
Before getting in the water, take a few moments to go over the rules. It sets clear expectations and builds swimmer confidence. Here are a few essentials:
• Walk, don’t run in the pool area to avoid slips
• Always ask before entering any body of water
• Locate the stairs or ladders for safe entry and exit
• No diving. Even in deeper pools exceeding 8ft, it’s safest for kids to enter feet first with pencil jumps or cannonballs
• No drinking or spitting pool water. Keep it safe and clean for everyone
3. Understand the Role of Lifeguards
Lifeguards are trained professionals whose job is to keep everyone safe. However, no one knows your child better than you do. If your swimmer has specific needs, take a moment to speak with the lifeguard on duty. Before swimming, point out where the lifeguard is stationed so your child knows where to look if they need help.
4. Choose Bright Swimwear
Swimwear in bright, vibrant colors like neon yellow, orange, or pink can help your child stand out in a busy pool or dark lake. Swim caps, rash guards, or swimsuits in high-contrast colors make it easier to keep an eye on them at all times.
5. Teach Safety Awareness
Kids gain confidence when they know what to expect and how to respond. Here are a few ways to build that awareness:
• Introduce rescue tools like life jackets, rescue tubes, and kickboards so they’re familiar in case of an emergency
• Practice phrases like “Take the side” or “The side is safe” to encourage swimming to the pool edge
• Show how to move along the pool wall with a “monkey walk,” “Spiderman walk,” or “choo choo train” motion
• Teach the difference between shallow and deep water: “I stand in the shallow, I swim in the deep.” Help your child identify where they can safely stand and where they’ll need adult support or equipment
6. Make the Most of Safety Equipment
Visit the pool together and let your child try on a life jacket in the water so they get used to how it feels and moves. Remember, equipment like floaties and life jackets are tools, not substitutes for supervision. Stay within arm’s reach of your swimmer at all times.
Build A Water Routine This Summer!
Water safety starts with awareness, repetition, and active involvement. By helping your child build habits like asking before entering the water, recognizing safety tools, and understanding pool rules, you’re setting the stage for safe, confident swimming all summer long.
About Our Inclusive Swim Programs
At Cheshire Fitness Zone, our swim programs are designed with safety, fun, and inclusivity at the core. Led by our aquatic therapists Amanda Morgan, PT, and Allison Vachon, OT, our programs support children of all abilities as they build confidence and skills in the water.
We offer both individualized inclusive swim lessons for children ages 3-12. As well as water acclimation programs such as our Baby & Me Swim Program, a supportive introduction to the water for caregivers and younger children ages 6months-2 years. Our therapists use play-based strategies that align with each child’s unique needs and developmental level, making swim time a safe and positive experience for everyone involved.
Whether you’re looking to build basic swim readiness or support your child’s sensory and motor development in the pool, our therapists are here to help. Classes are held at 10 George Avenue in Cheshire, CT, in a warm water environment that’s perfect for therapeutic and beginner swim activities.
Ready to dive in? Reach out to learn more about upcoming sessions or to speak with our team about the best fit for your swimmer.
