When it comes to water safety nothing is more important than education and experience. Eliminating the stigma of fear is the first step to keeping children water safe. Once they have developed a confidence in their abilities the water can provide not only entertainment and exercise but a lifelong passion.

1. Immersion

Start them young and be present. Infant introduction is not only great for their development but creates a special bonding time for parents and babies. Around 3 to 4 months of age infants have a better ability to regulate body temperature and can be introduced to warm water pools. At this age there is more you can teach them than you realize.

2. Body Position

So many floatation aides raise red flags in my head. Why? Most of these devices create an unsafe position for your child. Head up and feet down. It’s dangerous. This is how a child can sink. If we teach them this is a safe position and they end up in the water without the aid they are going to think by being straight up and down they will be okay. This is completely untrue. Flotation aides promote unsafe positions. Sinking positions. Work with your child in swim classes or one on one promoting good body position and learning how to float without aides. Safe is flat. Flat on their tummies and flat on their backs. Practice this together.

3. Exit Strategy

Teaching your children that the wall is safety and how to climb out unassisted is another key skill. Should a child fall in unattended we want them to know to turn around, reach for the wall, and climb out to safety. Working on this is truly very simple. Put your back to the wall and have your child sit or stand to your left or right. Instruct them to jump in and redirect them around you so they can reach for the wall and climb out. When they are young let them do as much of the climbing out work as possible. Standard practice is elbow, elbow, tummy, knee, knee. If they need help with any of these steps give it to them until they have mastered it on their own.

4. Underwater

Oh that dreaded word! Don’t dunk your children please. Especially feet down head up. Make this experience for them be with you the first time. Start with their faces, just work on blowing bubbles while laying completely flat on top of the water. Get eye to eye with them while holding them out in front of you. When you are both comfortable here, step it up a notch. Give them a three count, one, two, three and slightly lift them up to encourage them to take a breath and close their mouths and say ‘under.’ Take them inches beneath the surface while maintaining that flat body position and bring them back up the same way. Imagine taking them over a hill, into a valley, and back up another hill. Their feet should never point down.

5. Smile On!

If you as a parent have a fear of the water or things that can go wrong slap a smile on your face. Fear is contagious and no one can read you as well as your own children. Your hesitation, apprehension, whatever will fuel their fear. Stay positive. Laugh and smile. The water is far more fun than scary!