May 02, 2025
Water Safety Month: Keeping Your Little Ones Safe Around Water
As a mom of two water-loving kiddos, May's Water Safety Month always hits close to home for me. Those summer pool days and beach trips are some of our most treasured family memories, and we do everything we can to make sure they are safe!
Why Water Safety Matters So Much
The statistics are sobering—drowning remains the leading causes of death for children under 5. But here's the hopeful part; most drowning incidents are preventable with proper supervision and safety measures, according to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance.
Essential Water Safety Tips for Babies
Never, ever leave your baby unattended near water—not even for a second to grab a towel or answer the door. Before filling the tub, gather all your supplies. Use a non-slip bath mat (total game-changer!) and keep the water shallow – just 2-3 inches!
Make bath seats a helper, not a babysitter: I love bath seats for helping support wiggly babies, but remember they're not safety devices. Always keep one hand on your baby during bath time.
Baby Basics® Bath Seat
Toilet safety matters too: Toddlers can drown in just an inch of water. Keep toilet lids closed and consider a toilet lock—they're inexpensive but invaluable. The Regalo® Home Safety Multi-Purpose Latch is a great option!
Home Safety Multi-Purpose Latch
Bathroom door barriers are a must: Babies become curious explorers so quickly! We installed a Regalo® Easy Step Extra Tall Safety Gate at our bathroom entrance once our little one started crawling. It's given us such peace of mind knowing the bathroom is off-limits without direct supervision.
Easy Step® Extra Tall Platinum Safety Gate
Toddler Water Safety Tips
Toddlers are a whole different ballgame—they're quick, curious, and completely fearless! Try these tips to help prepare your toddler and yourself for all of the summer water activities.
Consistent swimming lessons: The AAP recommends swim lessons as a layer of protection against drowning that can begin for many children starting at age 1. You can still get your infant under 1 acclimated to the water with a parent-child water play class. Remember though, swim lessons don't make kids "drown proof!"
Use proper floatation devices: Not all floaties are created equal! Look for U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation devices (PFD) rather than water wings or swim rings. Color-code our kids' life jackets so there's never confusion about whose is whose.
Teach water rules early and often: Have simple rules like "no running near the pool" and "always ask a grown-up before going near water" be apart of our family mantras.
Designate a "water watcher": Even at group gatherings, we take turns being the dedicated water watcher with a special bracelet that signifies "I'm on duty." No phones, no chatting—just focused supervision. CPR training for all adults and caregivers is a great option to help you all feel more prepared.
Water Safety Beyond Summer
Water safety isn't just a summer concern! Bath time, rainy day puddles, and even winter ice require ongoing vigilance.
Remember, there's no substitute for attentive supervision. All the safety equipment in the world can't replace your watchful eye. But with the right precautions, water activities can bring so much joy to your whole family!
What water safety tips would you add to this list?