Preschool Water Safety Tips for 2022

Preschool water safety is a major concern when you consider that drowning is a leading cause of injury and death for children ages 1 to 14. According to the CDC, drowning kills more children ages 1-4 than anything else except for birth defects. 

This is one of the reasons why preschool water safety is so important to parents and to Raleigh child care centers like Primary Beginnings. As we prepare for the warmer months ahead, we’d like to share some preschool water safety tips to keep you and your family safe.

Preschool Water Safety Tips 

Never leave small children unsupervised.

It only takes one second of looking away or checking social media for your child to get into trouble in the water. Always give your child your undivided attention when they’re in the water. Drowning can happen quickly and often silently.

Keep small children within arm’s reach.

You should be able to reach out and touch children while in the water in case they get into trouble. Babies can drown in as little as one inch of water which is one of the reasons why you want to keep an eye on them and keep them close. 

Learn CPR

Learning CPR is a great skill to have for all child-related activities, including swimming and being in the water. Many local hospitals and fire departments offer CPR training classes. Once you’re certified you can have peace of mind knowing that you can help if trouble arises.

Enroll Your Child in Swimming Lessons

Every child is ready for swim lessons at different times. Some children are ready to start learning as early as age 1, while others aren’t ready until they’re 4 or older. Gauge how your child is in the water. You can always consult a professional swimming instructor if you’re not sure if your child is ready. Whatever age you begin, lessons will teach your child to float, tread water, and follow water safety rules.

Empty Kiddie Pools and Other Water Containers

If you have kiddie pools or other containers of water in your yard, empty them right after using them. Leaving them lying around can lead to a tragedy if a small child were to get into them. 

The same goes for bathtubs. Always be sure they are drained and that your child is not near a full tub unsupervised.

Install a Fence Around Pools

Any pool in the yard should have a fence that is at least four feet high with a self-closing and self-latching gate. This can prevent children from climbing ladders and accidentally getting into the water.

Teach Your Child to Wear a Life Jacket

If your child does not know how to swim, teach them to wear a life jacket when they’re in the water. Pool floaties and noodles are not approved safety devices and can give children a false sense of security. Life jackets are a smarter choice for kids whether they’re in a pool, lake, or ocean.

Swim with a Buddy

Teach your child to always have someone in the water with them. When they’re little, an adult should always be present. Swimming alone is not a good idea and can lead to drowning.

Safety is a Priority at Primary Beginnings

At Primary Beginnings preschool in Raleigh, your child’s safety and care is a priority. We provide quality childcare for all children at our centers. Each center has a 5-Star rating, the highest-rated child care license in North Carolina. Request a tour of one of our Raleigh preschool locations today!