water safety 101: how to keep your family safe this summer

APRIL POOLS! 

April 1, or April Pools Day, is a day about raising awareness for drowning, which is the leading cause of death for kids ages 1 to 4, according to the CDC. With warmer weather on the way, it's the perfect time to talk about swim safety and the importance of supervision around water 

While we’re all about fun in the sun, water safety is no joke. The Dayton Children’s Injury Prevention Team is here to share tips and help your family stay safe no matter where you’re enjoying water fun! 

swimming safety: tips for every location 

No matter where you swim, safety rules can vary. Here are some key tips for staying safe in different swimming environments: 

Community pool safety: 

• No solo swimming: Kids should never swim alone! Make sure an adult is in the pool and within arm’s reach of young children and weaker swimmers. Experienced swimmers should stay with a partner every time!  
• Don’t rely solely on lifeguards: Lifeguards are there for emergencies, but they can’t watch every child at all times. Stay alert and actively supervise your child while they’re in the water. 
• Follow the pool rules: Before jumping in, make sure everyone in your group knows and follows the posted pool rules. Rules help keep the pool fun and safe for everyone! 

Backyard and private pool safety: 

• No solo swimming: Kids should never swim alone! Make sure an adult is in the pool and within arm’s reach of young children and weaker swimmers.  Even experienced swimmers should stay with a partner every time!  
• Empty Small Pools & Water Toys: Even a few inches of water can be dangerous. Always drain kiddie pools, buckets, and water toys when you’re done to prevent accidental drownings. 

Open water (rivers, lakes, ponds) safety: 

• Stay aware: Open water can be unpredictable, even for strong swimmers. Watch for currents, sudden drop-offs, and hidden hazards. Always follow posted warnings and safety signs. 
• Wear a life jacket: Wear a life jacket or U.S. Coast Guard-approved flotation device when having fun in open water.  
• Supervise small children: Young kids should never play near open water without close supervision. Stay within arm’s reach to prevent accidents. 

Beach safety: 

• Watch for riptides: Even strong swimmers can get caught in a riptide. Always check for warning flags or signs before swimming and know how to escape a current—swim parallel to shore until you're free. 
• Stay alert to changing conditions: Weather and tides can shift quickly. Keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared to leave the water if conditions become unsafe. 

Splash pad & water park safety 

• Walk, don’t run: Slippery surfaces can lead to falls. Encourage kids to walk carefully to avoid injuries. 
• Follow the rules: Every water attraction has safety guidelines. Make sure kids understand and follow all posted rules to stay safe. 

Water safety at home  

• Empty & secure any source of water: Drowning can happen in as little as an inch of water. Always empty mop buckets, bathtubs, and backyard water toys after use, and keep toilet lids closed. 
• Supervise bath time: Young children should never be left alone in the bath. Always stay close and keep them within arm’s reach. 

stay safe and enjoy the water this season! 

Being prepared for water safety helps make every swim session safer and more fun for everyone. We’ve got plenty of resources to help you stay informed! Click the links below to learn more about: 

• Choosing the safest swimsuit colors to keep your little ones visible underwater 
• Knowing when to start swim lessons to build confidence and safety skills 
• The importance of having a “water watcher” and how to do it correctly!