Water Safety Tips Every Parent & Grandparent Should Know

Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1–4. It is also among the most preventable. Here's everything you need to protect your family near water.

Framework

The 5 Layers of Protection

Water safety experts universally recommend a layered approach. No single measure is foolproof — together they dramatically reduce risk.

Physical Barriers

The first and most critical layer

  • Four-sided pool fence, minimum 48" (5 ft recommended)
  • Self-closing, self-latching gate that opens away from pool
  • Door alarms on any home door with pool access
  • No furniture near fence that a child could use to climb
Barriers work even when caregivers are momentarily distracted. They buy time.

Active Supervision

Eyes on the water at all times

  • Designate a "water watcher" — one adult, undistracted, watching only
  • No phones, conversations, or alcohol while water watching
  • Rotate the water watcher role every 15–20 minutes to avoid fatigue
  • Be within arm's reach of children under 5 at all times
Most drownings happen in seconds, silently. Supervision is not optional.

Swim Lessons

Starts earlier than most parents think

  • AAP recommends swim lessons starting at age 1 for most children
  • Children who take lessons have 88% lower drowning risk (CDC)
  • Look for instructors certified by Red Cross or YMCA
  • Swim skills do not make a child "drown-proof" — layers still apply
Swim lessons are a protective factor, not a replacement for barriers.

CPR & First Aid

Every minute counts

  • Bystander CPR can double or triple survival rates
  • American Red Cross and American Heart Association both offer training
  • Post emergency numbers visibly at the pool
  • Know the location of the nearest AED
Drowning can cause brain injury within 4–6 minutes. Immediate response is critical.

Life Jackets & Safety Devices

The right gear, used correctly

  • Use only USCG-approved life jackets — not "puddle jumpers" near open water
  • Inflatable armbands do not substitute for life jackets
  • Pool alarms add detection but are NOT preventive barriers
  • Safety covers must be properly secured every single time
Life jackets are essential for boats and open water. Near pools, barriers remain primary.
Layer 2

Active Supervision Rules

Most childhood drownings happen quickly and quietly, often when caregivers are present. These rules close the gap.

1

One designated watcher at a time

When multiple adults are present, it's easy for everyone to assume someone else is watching. Assign one person and use a token or object to make the role explicit.

2

No screen time while watching

A child can slip beneath the water in the time it takes to read a single text message. Phone down, eyes up.

3

Stay within arm's reach of non-swimmers

Drowning is silent and fast. "Watching from a chair" is not close enough for young children who cannot yet swim.

4

Don't rely on swim ability alone

Even children who can swim can experience panic, exhaustion, or cramps. Supervision rules apply regardless of swim skill level.

5

Drain inflatable pools when not in use

Toddlers can drown in as little as two inches of water. Small inflatable pools should be drained and overturned after every use.

Layer 4

Child CPR & First Aid

If a child is found in the water, immediate action is the difference between life and death.

2–4 min
Until permanent brain injury can begin
2×–3×
Better survival odds with immediate bystander CPR
< 10%
Of bystanders feel confident performing CPR

Get CPR Trained — Free & Paid Resources

CPR technique differs for infants, children, and adults. Take a course that covers pediatric CPR specifically.
Layer 3

Swim Lessons: What the Research Says

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) updated its guidance in 2023 to recommend swim lessons for most children starting at age 1, a shift from their previous recommendation of age 4. This change reflects growing evidence that early exposure to water skills is protective.

A landmark study in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine found that formal swimming lessons were associated with an 88% reduction in drowning risk for children ages 1–4.

However, swimming ability should never be treated as a replacement for physical barriers or active supervision. Even strong swimmers can experience panic, exhaustion, or sudden illness in the water.

Finding lessons near Palm Beach County:

Ready to Install a Pool Fence?

A four-sided removable mesh fence is the #1 barrier recommended by safety experts to prevent child drowning. Work with a certified professional installer in your area for the best protection.

For Florida families, we recommend Protect-A-Child — trusted by families for 40+ years.

Pool Fence Guide Protect-A-Child