Essential Water Safety Resources for Moms: Setting Your Kids Up for Success This Summer

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As the warm summer months approach, we all begin to think about fun days at the beach, poolside picnics, and splashing around with our little ones. But before we dive into the fun, it's essential to address a critical issue: water safety. Drowning remains the leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1-4 in the United States, and it's up to us, as parents, to take proactive steps to ensure our children are safe in and around water.

Understanding the risks and starting early can make a huge difference in your child's safety and swim readiness. Here are some key things every parent should know about water safety:

1. The Importance of Starting Early (But Not Too Early)
The best time to introduce a child to water is around six months old, when they are developing motor skills like sitting up, crawling, and moving on land. Early exposure helps them build comfort and confidence in the water.

Formal swim lessons can begin as early as age one, with a focus on water safety skills such as floating, kicking, and waiting for permission to enter the water. These years are critical because children ages 1-4 are most at risk of drowning. By age three, children are ready for more structured lessons that teach essential swimming techniques.

2. Teaching Boundaries and Water Awareness
Kids should understand that water, while fun, is always a potential danger. Teaching children boundaries around water - such as not running near pools or always swimming with a buddy - is an essential part of keeping them safe. From an early age, you can start talking to your child about the importance of respecting water. Encouraging curiosity without fear can help them learn that the water is something to be respected, not feared.



3. The Power of Consistent, Positive Exposure
Exposure to water in a non-threatening way is one of the best ways to prevent the fear of water. This doesn't mean throwing your child into a pool, but rather allowing them to gradually get used to water in a way that's engaging and fun. Simple activities like blowing bubbles in the tub, splashing in a shallow kiddie pool, or playing with water toys can help build essential skills, like holding their breath and floating, that are critical for their safety.

4. Understanding the Risks of Drowning
It's hard to talk about, but drowning is an ever-present risk, especially for children between the ages of 1-4. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of death in this age group. One of the best ways to prevent drowning is teaching your child water safety early on, not just as a lesson for swim lessons, but as a life skill. Drown-proofing, a method that once relied on traumatic techniques, has been shown to be harmful and counterproductive. Instead, we should focus on gentle, consistent teaching that builds water competency and confidence over time.

5. Leading with Love, Not Fear
When it comes to teaching your child water safety, it's important that the experience is filled with love and positive reinforcement rather than fear. Scaring your child or using traumatic techniques to force them into the water can lead to long-term fear and hinder their ability to learn. Instead, focus on fun, engaging activities that help them understand the basics of water safety in a calm and controlled manner.



Additional Resources for Parents Looking to Support Their Child's Swim Journey:
If you're looking for additional tools to support your child's journey to becoming confident and safe in the water, here are some resources to consider:

Georgia Swim School: Coloring and Activity Book
Created by water safety advocate Nicole Fairfield, this engaging activity book introduces essential water safety concepts through fun, colorful illustrations and interactive activities, helping children learn while they play.

I Can Put My Face In
This delightful children's book is perfect for encouraging young swimmers to explore water skills like blowing bubbles, diving, and getting their faces wet - all while building confidence.

I Can Float
Floating is one of the most important skills for any new swimmer, and this book uses playful characters to teach kids how to float in a fun and safe way. It's a great way to introduce this skill before formal swim lessons begin.

Swim with Me: Swim Cards
A fantastic tool for parents and caregivers, these practical swim cards break down swimming skills into easy-to-understand steps that can be used in the pool. It's a great way to keep lessons structured and engaging.



For more tips on water safety, you can also follow me on TikTok for quick videos and updates, or check out my podcast, Navigating Neva, on Spotify, where I dive deeper into the best ways to keep your child safe around water.

The key to water safety is starting early, staying consistent, and keeping it fun. As we approach the summer months, let's make it our mission to give our kids the tools they need to enjoy the water safely - and to enjoy every moment they spend in it!

Website: www.navigatingneva.com
Youtube: @navigatingneva5226
Instagram: @navigatingneva
TikTok: @nicolefairfield
Spotify: Navigating Neva

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