Teaching your child about water safety helps keep them safe during bath time, pool play and outdoor water activities. You can help them learn simple rules that help prevent accidents and build good habits around water.
Talk about the fun things they can do in water but remind your child that water play can be dangerous without supervision. Explain that they should always ask an adult to go with them before enjoying water play. Simple rules like “Stop, Look and Ask” are easy for your child to remember when approaching water.
Use clear and simple language when teaching your child to walk and not run near pools and to never push others into the water. Share why it’s important to always stay close to a trusted adult when they are near water. Consider signing your child up for swimming lessons or a program such as WaterSmartFL that offers free or reduced cost for lessons.
By teaching water safety early and often, families and caregivers help young children learn how to enjoy water while staying safe.