A day at the lake sure feels different once you have kids. The days of worrying only about yourself are gone. Instead, you must be constantly vigilant about where your kids are, what they’re doing and how to keep them from drowning. Kids require constant supervision, whether they’re swimming, boating or playing by the water’s edge. Water safety requires a layered approach, including education, supervision and establishing clear rules and boundaries for everyone in the family. Whether you plan to cruise out on a boat or just play and splash along the beach, get your family ready for summer safety with practical tips and tricks.
Open Water Risks
Lakes and beaches provide endless entertainment and learning opportunities for youngsters. They also present safety risks and hazards not present at regular swimming pools.
- Murky water that hides submerged obstacles, including rocks, debris and uneven terrain
- Sudden depth changes and dropoffs
- Currents and waves, even in shallow areas
- Boats, jet skis and other watercraft activities
Don’t forget the weather! Check it before you leave and remain alert for sudden changes in wind and temperature.
Constant Supervision
Children should never be left unattended near or in the water – constant supervision is the most fundamental water safety rule. Even strong swimmers can be caught off guard or run into trouble. There should always be a designated adult supervisor whose only responsibility is monitoring the kids. If you’re at the lake with multiple adults, set a schedule to switch supervisors every 15 minutes, so everyone gets a chance to enjoy the day.
Clear Rules and Boundaries
Set clear rules and boundaries even before you leave the house. In age-appropriate terms, explain why the rules are so important.
Essential Kid Water Safety Rules
- Only enter the water with permission from the adult.
- Always enter the water feet first – no diving!
- Wear well-fitting, approved life vests.
- Stay in designated swim areas.
Essential Adult Rules
- Distraction-free supervision is paramount – put down your phone and book and only supervise if you’re sober.
- Keep kids within arm’s reach, regardless of swimming ability and perceived strength.
- Teach kids how to call 911 and contact emergency services.
- Explain consequences and follow through if kids don’t follow the rules.
- Lead by example: Wear your life vest and follow your established rules.
As with most things in life, your actions speak louder than words. Make the rules and expectations the norm, and you’ll influence your children’s water safety attitudes and behaviors.
Teach Water Safety Skills
Water safety is an essential life skill. Enroll kids in swimming lessons from an early age to build their confidence and proficiency in the water. Kids should learn to float on their backs, tread water, perform basic swim strokes and safely enter and exit water. Kids should also learn about the dangers of diving into unknown waters and respecting safety signs and guidelines.
All children and adults should wear properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets when near, in or on open bodies of water. Many families make it a rule that kids put on life jackets before stepping foot on a dock.
All the rules and expectations make a day at the beach sound like a lot more work than it may be worth. If you do it right, you’ll feel like the bad guy and may even wonder whether it’s worth it to pack the kids up. But 20 years from now, your kids won’t remember your enforcing all the rules. They’ll remember the fun you had. One day, not so far in the future, you’ll once again have a lazy, carefree day at the beach and wonder how time flies so fast.
References
American Red Cross, “Swimming Safely in Lakes, Rivers, and Streams.”