Splish Splash: Tips For Keeping Your Children Safe Around the Water


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Water safety tips for kids around boats, lakes, pools and at the dock to keep summer swimming fun safe for your little ones

Trips to the marina, long weekends at the lake, and pool parties galore — there is nothing quite like splashing the summer away.

As with any summer activity, swimming, boating, and playing by the water comes with a fair amount of risk for youngsters. According to Kids Health, about 1,000 kids die per year in the United States from accidental drowning, and it makes up the second leading cause of accidental death for people aged five to 24.

While experienced boaters likely know the best way to keep their kids safe around the water, families new to the boating community may be worried about water safety. There are risks, but this doesn’t mean that you need to spend your summer worrying. With the right knowledge and safety practices, you can keep your kids and their friends safe while they swim and spend time near the water.

Start by following these simple water safety tips and passing on this information to your loved ones.



Provide Supervision

This is one of the best steps you can take to keep younger children safe in and around the water. While it might be tempting to sit and chat with other adults, make sure that someone is monitoring the children at all times.

A good rule of thumb, in the open water, keep the kids in your line of sight at all times. Your attention can prevent accidents and address emergencies quickly.

Teach Water Safety

As far as accident prevention goes, it’s important to teach your kids the basics of water safety. Teach them what to do when a friend is in trouble and how to calmly react when they get tired in the water, for example.

But remember, small children should have an adult with them in the water, and kids should use a child flotation device at all times until they can swim well on their own.

Sign Them Up For Lessons

Many parents choose to sign their kids up for swim lessons when they are toddlers, and there is good reason for this. By teaching your children to swim early, they will be strong in the water by the time they can swim on their own. They can also learn water safety from a young age.

Use Lights And Barriers

If you have a pool and very young children, be sure to install a fence around the perimeter to keep your children from entering unsupervised. If you have a dock, consider installing underwater lights to illuminate the water at all hours of the day and night. Underwater LED lights can last over 10,000 hours, which adds up to 34 years when used for eight hours per day, certainly making it worth your money.

Have An Emergency Plan

Even though you are doing everything in your power to prevent an emergency, you and your family need to know what to do if one happens. Teach everyone how to call for help when something happens, and consider taking CPR classes together. The more you know, the safer your family will be.

While you shouldn’t let worry ruin your days on the water, it’s important to always be aware of the risks you face. By knowing these dangers, staying prepared, and teaching your children the right skills, your family can have many enjoyable boat days to come.


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Editorial Staff

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This article was written by MyBoatLife.com editorial staff.
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