Water Safety for Kids

Summertime means lots of water fun, but water safety is important all year round! Young children can drown in only a few inches of water and in only a few moments. Here are some tips to your kids water safe both inside and outside the home:

Water safety at home:
- ALWAYS supervise bathtime and water play
- Set water heater thermostats below 120°F to avoid burns
- Put fences around (and covers on) all pools, spas, fountains, and ponds
- Empty all coolers, buckets, and standing water around the house
Water safety outside the home:
- Life-jackets should be worn by children anytime they are in water (floaties can deflate and fall off easily)
- Children should ALWAYS be supervised in or around water even if they can swim and are wearing a life-jacket (children under age 5 should be “within arm’s reach”)
- Only allow swimming in the ocean when a lifeguard is also on duty
Swim classes
- Children ages 1 to 4 who take swim lessons may be less likely to drown
- If you choose to enroll your child in swim lessons, select a class that follows the national YMCA guidelines

As always, if you have questions about water safety for kids, consult your pediatrician.

For more information, visit these helpful links:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Summer-Safety-Tips-Sun-and-Water-Safety.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Water-Safety-And-Young-Children.aspx

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Home-Water-Hazards-for-Young-Children.aspx