S.A.F.E.R: 6 Essential Water Safety Rules Every Parent Should Teach Their Kids

Summer play and water fun should always come with talks around water safety! Whether you're splashing in the pool, floating at the lake, or playing in the ocean, it’s important to teach kids how to stay safe around water. That’s why Big Blue Swim School uses the S.A.F.E.R method—six simple rules to make sure kids stay safe while enjoying their time in the water.

These six water safety tips will give you peace of mind and help your little ones build confidence while they swim. Let’s dive in!

S – Swim with a Buddy & Have a Water Watcher

• Always swim with a friend—it's safer and way more fun!
• A Water Watcher (a responsible adult) should always be keeping an eye on kids in and around water. No texting, no distractions—just full focus on safety!
• Kids should never go near water alone or without permission from an adult.

💦 Why It Matters: Accidents can happen in an instant, and even strong swimmers need supervision. Teaching kids to never swim alone and making sure an adult is always watching can prevent accidents before they happen. Think of your Water Watcher as the lifeguard of fun—always there to keep things safe!

A – Acquire CPR & First Aid Training

• Parents and caregivers should learn CPR and basic first aid in case of emergencies.
• Have an emergency plan in place, including easy access to a phone near the pool.
• If you haven’t taken a CPR class yet, consider signing up—it’s a life-saving skill!

💦 Why It Matters: No one ever wants to think about a water emergency, but being prepared can save lives. If something goes wrong, knowing what to do in those critical moments can make all the difference. Many local community centers offer CPR training—why not make it a date night and learn together?

F – Find & Reduce Water Hazards

• No running near the pool—slipping and falling is no fun!
• Keep pool toys put away when not in use to avoid accidents.
• Always close and lock pool gates to keep little ones out when no adults are around.
• If there’s thunder or lightning, get out of the water immediately!

💦 Why It Matters: Most pool accidents happen outside of actual swimming time. A simple slip or an unsupervised moment can lead to injury. Keeping the pool area clear, setting firm rules about safety, and staying aware of potential hazards helps prevent unnecessary accidents.

E – Enroll in Swim Lessons to Build Water Confidence

• Swim lessons help kids gain essential water safety skills and become strong swimmers.
• The earlier kids start, the more comfortable they’ll be around water—some programs start at just 3 months old!
• Learning to swim reduces drowning risks by up to 88%, according to studies.

💦 Why It Matters: Knowing how to swim is the best way to keep kids safe in and around water. Plus, it builds confidence, making swimming more enjoyable for the whole family! If your child isn’t enrolled yet, consider signing them up for swim lessons at Big Blue Swim School to give them a fun and safe start in the water.

R – Respond Fast & Call 911 in Emergencies

• Teach kids what to do if someone is struggling in the water—never jump in, call for help!
• Make sure your child knows how to dial 9-1-1 in case of an emergency.
• Talk with your kids about emergency plans and how to react in different water situations.

💦 Why It Matters: Knowing how to respond in an emergency can be lifesaving. Kids might panic if something happens, but teaching them how to stay calm and call for help gives them the tools to act quickly. A simple conversation today could save a life tomorrow!

Let's Make Water Fun & S.A.F.E.R!

Water activities should be full of fun, not fear! By teaching your kids these S.A.F.E.R water safety rules, you’ll give them the knowledge and confidence they need to enjoy the water safely.

And don’t forget—enrolling them in swim lessons is one of the best ways to ensure they develop strong swimming skills for life. Let’s keep our little swimmers S.A.F.E.R., confident, and ready for all the water adventures ahead!