Water play is fun – but it also comes with risks, especially for our little ones. In Canada, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths among children under the age of 5. Most of these tragic incidents happen quickly, quietly, and often when a caregiver is momentarily distracted.
Whether you’re splashing in the backyard, heading to the lake, or spending the day at the pool, here are essential tips every parent should know to help keep your child safe in and around water.
Always Supervise 👀
Kids are curious, mobile, and unpredictable – especially young children. Even if your little one knows how to swim or is confident in the water, constant and close supervision is essential. When in or around water:
- Stay within arm’s reach of your child at all times.
- Avoid distractions like phones or conversations with others while supervising
- Drowning is quick and quiet—never assume you’ll hear it happen
Create a Water Watcher System 👥
If multiple adults are present, don’t assume someone else is watching the kids.
- Assign someone as the designated Water Watcher
- This person should have no distractions
- Rotate every 15-20 minutes
Floatation Devices – Tools not a Substitute for Supervision 🛟
Inflatable armbands, floaties, or pool noodles may give a false sense of security, but they are not life-saving devices. They are designed to assist with buoyancy, not to prevent drowning.
- Never rely on floatation devices in place of supervision.
Start Early 💦
Introducing your child to water early can make a big difference!
At Water Babies, our lessons are designed to help babies and toddlers from birth to age 5 feel comfortable in the water. We focus on swimming strokes, core aquatic skills, and water safety.
From an early age, our little swimmers learn how to respond if they fall unexpectedly into water – turning themselves around, holding on, and moving across to reach safety. We also teach water safety rules that help little ones understand how to stay safe around water – whether at the pool, beach, or even the bathtub.
The earlier your little one starts learning water safety, the better equipped they’ll be when in or around the water.
At-Home Awareness 🛁
Water safety starts at home – often where risks are overlooked.
- Never leave a child unattended in the bath, even for a moment.
- Empty bathtubs, buckets, and kiddie pools immediately after use.
- Keep toilet lids closed, and bathroom doors shut to prevent unsupervised access.
Learn CPR and First Aid ⛑
Emergencies happen quickly – knowing how to response could save your child’s life.
- Enroll in a certified infant and child CPR course
- Familiarize yourself with basic first aid for water-related injuries and choking
- Share this knowledge with others around you
Teach Safety Rules Early 💬
Young children can learn and follow basic water safety rules. Teach them early and make them part of your routine:
- Never go near water without a grown-up.
- Sit down when on the pool edge.
- No running near water.
Outdoor Water Safety 🌊
Natural water sources are unpredictable and come with additional dangers:
- Watch for currents, sudden drop-offs, undertows
- Be aware of cold temperatures, even in summer
- Never assume your child is safe just because others are nearby.
Backyard Pool & Home Safety 🏡
- Restrict access to the pool using fences, gates, or safety covers.
- Remove ladders from above-ground pools when not in use.
- Put toys away. Someone could trip leading to slips, falls or injuries
Conclusion
By staying vigilant, starting early with swim lessons, and establishing clear rules and routines, you’re giving your child the skills they need to stay safe and confident around the water 💙🧡
