Summer is the perfect time to enjoy pools and beaches with your preschooler, but safety should always be the top priority. At Kids ‘R’ Kids, we know how important it is to keep children safe in and around water. Here are some tips to help you manage water safety and ensure your child’s well-being during water activities.

Water safety is a critical concern, especially for young children. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the primary cause of injury-related death for children ages 1 to 4. Preschoolers are particularly at risk because they can drown in less than two inches of water and might not yet have the skills to swim. Common water hazards include inadequate barriers around pools, lack of supervision, and not wearing personal flotation devices.

Teaching your preschooler about water safety is critical to preventing accidents. Ensure they understand basic rules like never going near water without adult supervision, not running around pools, and always using safety devices. Constant adult supervision is vital, as children can quickly get into dangerous situations. Always have an adult watching when children are near or in the water!

Ensure your pool has a secure fence with self-closing gates, and consider installing alarms to alert you if a child enters the pool area unexpectedly. Equip your preschooler with personal flotation devices when they’re near or in the pool, and start swimming lessons early to build their confidence and skills in the water.

Protect your preschooler from the sun by applying sunscreen every two hours, providing hats, and encouraging play in shaded areas. Teach children to build sand structures away from the water’s edge, where waves can weaken or destroy them, potentially trapping a small child. Educate your preschooler about the dangers of rip currents and tides, teaching them never to swim in large waves or rough water and always to stay close to a supervising adult.

Ensure you have an action plan in case of an emergency and that adults supervising children are trained in CPR. Keep rescue equipment, a phone, and emergency contacts readily accessible. Confirm that everyone knows the location of the nearest lifeguard and first aid station. 

With these tips, you can enjoy summer water activities with your preschooler while keeping them safe. At Kids ‘R’ Kids, we encourage families to have fun, but always with safety as the top priority. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and happy swimming!

If you enjoyed this blog, please take a look at our school’s blog page. There you will find blogs on a wide variety of topics that we believe will be beneficial to you and your family.

Want to learn more about Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of the Woodlands located in The Woodlands, Texas? Our mission is to provide secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. For more information, give us a call or stop by for a tour! We’d love to get to know you and your family!