Top 5 Water Safety Tips

Many drownings occur when kiddos are not expected to be swimming but have access to water such as pools, hot tubs, ponds, lakes and rivers.

To help prevent drowning, the American Academy of Pediatricians recommends layers of protection. It’s safest to watch children closely when they are in the water and prevent access to water during non-swim times.

Follow AAP’s tips for a safe summer.

1. Fence pools & backyard ponds: Swimming pools, including above-ground pools, should be enclosed by a fence that is at least 4-feet high, although 5-feet or higher is preferable, with a locked gate. Lock the gate when you are not swimming. Keep toys out of the pool area when not in use so children aren’t tempted to break in during non-swim times. Be sure to cover and lock hot tubs right after using them. Backyard fountains, ponds and drainage ditches also need to be fenced. When you visit, camp or travel, check your surroundings for water dangers as well. 
2. Empty baby pools: Many of us have good summer memories of backyard baby pools – both as a child and a parent! After the little ones are done playing and splashing, dump the water out. Naturally attracted to water, curious children may play in the pools when parents and caregivers are not watching. They can slip and drown. Dumping the water out is a simple way to keep kiddos safe.  
3. Use touch supervision: Stay within arm’s length of your child during swim time. Sit right by the baby pool or get in the water with toddlers and young children even at public pools with lifeguards. When children are in or near water, give them your undivided attention. Avoid distractions such as using your cell phone, reading, doing yard work or drinking alcohol.
4. Assign a water watcher: During parties and gatherings at the pool or lake, assign a water watcher to constantly keep eyes on the children. Supervise even if there are lifeguards. Take turns, passing a water watcher card to the next responsible adult after a set time, such as 15 or 30 minutes. As a water watcher, stay alcohol and drug free, avoid other activities and put down your cell phone so you can watch closely and respond quickly.
5. Wear life jackets: Children should always wear life jackets when in, on or near lakes and rivers. Make sure they fit properly and are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. Many families with lake homes have the rule that children need to wear their life jackets on the beach or dock. The life jacket offers an extra layer of protection. If you’re heading to someone’s lake place, bring life jackets for your children and make sure they wear them. Then they’re ready for a boat ride too!

In the Boat: Minnesota law requires children 10 years of age and younger to wear a life jacket when aboard a boat. As adults, set an example by wearing your life jacket too. To find a safe fit and jacket for your child, visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Swim Lessons

Swimming is a life skill that promotes safety, health and self-esteem. If you didn’t learn to swim as a child, it’s never too late. Swim lessons are available for toddlers, children and adults in communities across our region. 

By the age of 4, most children are ready for swim lessons. At this age, children can learn water survival skills – floating, treading water and getting to an exit point. At age 6, children can learn and master swim strokes like the front crawl. If you’re not sure when to begin, talk with your pediatrician or healthcare provider. They can help you decide when your child is ready for lessons. 

In addition to lessons, set water safety rules and make sure children understand the rules apply everywhere: at home, at a friend’s and on vacation.  

• Never swim alone; always swim with a buddy.
• Ask permission to go in or near the water.
• Enter the water feet first; follow posted No Diving signs.  

Pediatricians also recommend that parents, caregivers and older children learn water rescue skills and CPR to respond to someone in distress.

Visit HealthyChildren.org to learn more.

Scholarships for swim lessons are available. In Greater Mankato, visit Connecting Kids . You may also contact your local swim facility to learn about scholarships.