Water Safety Training

Every family should implement water safety training. Teaching children to swim and use the buddy system are good safety habits. Everyone able should take a lifesaving water course. Use proper protection equipment during water activities. These devices do not take the place of adult supervision. Pools should have gates. Water safety is common sense.

1. Ensure that water safety training is implemented in your family. Every year there are unnecessary water accidents that might have been prevented with some water safety plans.


2. Encourage children to learn to swim at a young age. Someone who is knowledgeable with working with kids should teach children. Water safety should be taught right along with swimming lessons.


3. Implement the buddy system. Accidents can happen at any time. There should always be a trained swimmer watching any children in the water. Children and adults should use the buddy system while enjoying any type of water recreation.


4. Use common sense guidelines for establishing water safety rules. A child should be taught to never go into any water without a trained adult swimmer present. Lifejackets and other water safety equipment should be strictly enforced especially for young or weak swimmers. Water safety equipment such as plastic floaters should never take the place of adult supervision.


5. Establish rules of conduct around water areas. Boats should only hold the recommended number of people. People should be trained in water recreational equipment prior to being able to use them.


6. Encourage as many people in the family as possible to take lifesaving courses. Many classes are offered at local community centers.


7. Use a specific alarm system when a swimmer is in trouble. Kids should be taught to not scream and yell unless there is an emergency.


8. Enclose pools with gates and make water safety a habit. Water safety training will make water activities fun and more secure.