Water Safety Tips Every Parent Should Know
As summer approaches and families spend more time at the pool, lake, or beach, water safety for children becomes increasingly important. We spoke with two experienced aquatic therapists, Allison Vachon, Occupational Therapist, and Amanda Morgan, Physical Therapist, to gather expert swimming safety tips and insights on how to teach kids pool safety with confidence.
Whether your child is a beginner or already comfortable in the water, building strong water safety habits can help prevent accidents and create a more enjoyable experience for the whole family. Below are several practical water safety tips for kids to keep swimming safe and fun this season.
1. Build a Water Entry Routine
Before every swim, encourage your child to ask for permission to enter the water. This can be verbal (“Can I go in?”) or nonverbal, such as pointing to the pool and waiting for a response. Creating this moment of pause builds awareness, reinforces boundaries, and helps instill safe habits from the start.
2. Review Pool Rules Together
Take a few minutes before swimming to go over pool rules together. Teaching children the “why” behind each rule increases their understanding and willingness to follow them. Key rules include:
- Walk, do not run, near the pool to avoid slips and falls
- Always ask an adult before entering any body of water
- Know where to safely enter and exit using steps or ladders
- Avoid diving, even in deep areas — feet-first entries are safest
- Do not swallow or spit pool water; it keeps the swimming area clean and safe for others
3. Understand the Role of Lifeguards and Adult Supervision
While lifeguards are trained professionals, parental supervision while swimming is essential. If your child has specific needs, briefly speak with the lifeguard ahead of time. Also, point out where the lifeguard is located so your child knows where to go if they need help. Staying within arm’s reach is especially important for toddlers and beginning swimmers.
4. Choose Bright, Visible Swimwear
Bright swimwear in neon yellow, orange, or pink helps children stand out in crowded pools or darker natural bodies of water. Swim caps, rash guards, or one-piece suits in high-contrast colors improve visibility and make supervision easier.
5. Build Safety Awareness Through Practice
Teaching kids water safety goes beyond rules. Help them build confidence by practicing safety techniques. A few examples include:
- Introducing tools like life jackets, rescue tubes, or kickboards during swim time
- Practicing phrases like “Take the side” to encourage swimming toward the edge
- Teaching kids to move along the pool wall using “monkey walks” or “choo choo train” movements
Explaining the difference between shallow and deep water with simple phrases like “I stand in the shallow, I swim in the deep”
6. Use and Practice With Safety Equipment
Let children try out life jackets or other flotation devices in the water to understand how they feel. This is especially helpful for swimming safety for toddlers or those with sensory differences. Remember, equipment is a helpful tool but should never replace active adult supervision.
Build a Water Routine This Summer!
Swimming safety starts with consistent habits, clear communication, and preparation. By teaching your child how to enter the water safely, review pool rules, recognize safety equipment, and build awareness, you’re laying the foundation for a safe and confident swimmer.
About Our Inclusive Swim Programs
This blog post was developed as part of an educational initiative by Cheshire Fitness Zone, a pediatric therapy practice that offers inclusive aquatic programs for children of all abilities. Led by licensed physical and occupational therapists, including Amanda Morgan, PT, and Allison Vachon, OT, our swim programs integrate therapeutic strategies with fun, skill-building water activities.
CFZ’s offerings include:
- Inclusive swim lessons for children ages 3 to 12
- Baby & Me Swim Program, a water acclimation experience for caregivers and children ages 6 months to 2 years
- One-on-one aquatic therapy sessions designed to support children with developmental, motor, or sensory needs
All programs are held in a warm-water pool at 10 George Avenue in Cheshire, Connecticut. These sessions combine aquatic therapy for children with early swim readiness skills in a safe, welcoming environment.
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.
