Water Safety for Kids: What Every Parent Should Know
Drowning is preventable. An American Red Cross expert shares practical, expert-backed tips to help keep children safe in and around the water
On a hot day, it doesn’t take long for kids to race toward the nearest pool, lake, or wave pool. But while the water promises fun, it also carries risk—especially for children.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4 in the US and the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for kids ages 5 to 14.
“The American Red Cross wants people to know that drowning is preventable,” says Connie Harvey, director of Aquatics Centennial Campaign and Survival Programs at the American Red Cross. “There is no ‘one thing’ that prevents drowning. It takes layers of protection to help keep your loved ones safe.”
Start with layers of protection
Harvey points to the American Red Cross’ Circle of Drowning Prevention, which highlights these “layers” of water safety in simple steps:
- Provide close, constant attention to children you’re supervising in or near water.
- Fence pools and spas with adequate barriers, including four-sided fencing that separates the water from the house and yard.
- Make sure every family member learns swimming and water safety survival skills.
- Children, inexperienced swimmers, and boaters should wear US Coast Guard–approved life jackets.
- Always swim in a lifeguard-protected area.
Become ‘water-competent’
The American Red Cross emphasizes water competency, not just “knowing how to swim.”
Harvey defines it as “a combination of three things: water smarts, swimming skills, and helping others.”
Water smarts means swimming only in designated areas, never swimming alone, and always ensuring adult supervision.
Swimming skills include being able to perform the following:
- Safely enter the water.
- Float or tread water for at least a minute.
- Rotate in a full circle to find an exit, swim at least 25 yards to it, and then climb out safely.
“When parents have little or no swimming skills, their children are less likely to be proficient swimmers,” Harvey notes. This affects 78 percent of African American children, 62 percent of Hispanic/Latino children, and 67 percent of Caucasian children.
Making water safety a family priority can be “both fun and lifesaving,” says Harvey.
Make active supervision nonnegotiable
Whether at a pool or water park, Harvey says active supervision is a critical layer of water safety. That means designating a water watcher at all times, which she describes as “an adult who is water-competent and focused solely on keeping eyes on the children in and around the water. No distractions.”
In group settings, rotate the role and make the watcher identifiable to everyone. Even at beaches, resort pools, and water parks with lifeguards, you still need a trusted adult watching only your group.
At home pools, the biggest danger is distraction. “Stepping away ‘just for a second’ or assuming you’ll hear trouble can have serious consequences,” Harvey says. “The reality is, drowning is often silent and can happen in as little as a minute. It can happen to anyone, any time there is access to water.”
Teach kids to always ask for—and receive—permission before entering any water, indoors or out.
Use life jackets and respect open water
Life jackets offer a key layer of protection beyond the backyard pool. Always look for US Coast Guard–approved life jackets, sized by weight and matched to the activity. Everyone should wear one when boating, fishing, or enjoying paddle sports. Weak or inexperienced swimmers should also wear life jackets in natural waters.
Lakes bring additional hazards. “Lakes can often hide dangers such as structures, weeds, or other objects beneath the water surface,” Harvey says. Swim only in designated areas, ideally where lifeguards are on duty.
Know what to do in an emergency
If someone gets into trouble, quick, calm action is critical. Recognize the signs of distress, shout for help, and call 911.
“Remember: ‘reach or throw, don’t go,’” Harvey says, meaning extend a reaching pole or throw something that floats (such as a ring buoy with a rope attached) to pull the person to safety without entering the water yourself. Once the person is out of the water, begin full CPR if needed and—if you’re trained—rescue breaths and chest compressions.
“Nobody should enter the water to offer assistance unless they are trained lifeguards,” Harvey stresses.
Build confidence with water safety resources
The American Red Cross offers swim lessons for all ages. Search “Red Cross Swim Lessons Near Me” or visit redcross.org/watersafety for the Circle of Drowning Prevention, Chain of Drowning Survival, and more.
Additional resources available online include a free Water Watcher card, Longfellow’s WHALE Tales for kids, and a free 20-minute online course for parents and caregivers (in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole).
“It’s important to always practice layers of protection and not let your guard down, no matter what water you’re around or how experienced you think you and your family are with swimming skills,” Harvey says.
With the right water safety habits in place, families can enjoy the water more—and worry less.