Water Safety for Kids: How to Have a Non-Scary Conversation

Drowning is a leading cause of death among children, a fact that worries many parents. Some may feel tempted to keep their kids away from the water out of fear, but that approach doesn’t solve the problem. Instead, it’s important to teach children the skills and knowledge they need to be safe in and around the water.

Discussing serious topics like drowning can be tough, but teaching kids water safety is key to protecting them. The goal is to emphasize safety without causing fear. Children should feel confident around water, while also understanding the risks. Here’s how to approach this conversation in a positive and non-scary way.

Keep the Conversation Age-Appropriate

Tailoring your conversation to their age and level of understanding is important. Explaining water safety rules for kids will be vastly different from discussing it with a teenager.

• For toddlers and preschoolers:

  • Read Water Safety Books for Kids: The National Drowning Prevention Alliance recommends reading stories that feature water-themed adventures, with characters learning how to swim and practicing safe behaviors around water.
  • Sing Water Safety Songs: Use simple songs to teach key water safety concepts. Singing helps reinforce important safety concepts in a fun and memorable way.

• For elementary-aged children:

  • Focus on Simple, Clear Rules: As Stop Drowning Now suggests, it’s important to “keep your rules short and memorable so kids can retain and recall them.”
  • Explain the “Why”: Kids are more likely to follow rules when they understand the reason behind them. For example, explain that “always asking before entering the water” helps ensure an adult is there to supervise and keep everyone safe.

• For older children and teens:

  • Address Peer Pressure: Have open conversations about how peer pressure can lead to risky behaviors around water, such as showing off or ignoring safety rules. Emphasize the importance of standing firm on safety decisions and making responsible choices, even when friends might be pushing them to do otherwise.
  • Discuss the Risks of Drugs and Alcohol: Have a candid conversation about how substances can impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time, significantly increasing the risk of drowning. Encourage them to make smart choices and avoid swimming under the influence.

Make It A Regular Conversation

Water safety shouldn’t be a one-time discussion; it needs to be an ongoing conversation. Repetition is key to helping kids retain information. Here’s how to make it a regular part of your routine:

• Review Rules Before Swimming: Before you go to the pool, lake, beach, or splash pad, spend a few minutes going over the safety rules with your child. This keeps safety top of mind and prepares them for the water.
• Daily Discussions: Use everyday activities, like bath time or car rides, to talk about water safety. Talking regularly and casually about water safety makes it a normal part of their routine. This helps kids feel comfortable instead of scared or anxious.
• Encourage Questions: Let your child ask questions about water safety. Regularly checking in helps them feel secure and lets you address any new concerns.

Remember, the goal of discussing water safety is to make sure your child feels safe and informed, not scared. By discussing water safety in a way that suits their age and doing it regularly, you help them understand why it’s important without causing fear. This will help them enjoy water activities confidently and know how to stay safe.