8 water safety tips for swimmers
Drowning is a leading cause of death for kids aged 1–4. Fortunately, most water accidents are preventable with proper supervision, safety habits, and the right gear.
Before you and your family head to the beach, learn these 8 water safety tips so you can keep everyone safe and having fun.
1. Never swim alone or unsupervised
Drowning happens fast. Even strong swimmers need backup when something goes wrong. When multiple people are around water, designate one person as the water watcher. Their only responsibility is monitoring the water without distractions. Rotate this role every 15 minutes to maintain attention.
If you're supervising weak swimmers, stay within arm's reach. Touch supervision means you can reach someone immediately if they start struggling.
Don't rely on flotation devices to replace active supervision. They're helpful tools, but they don't substitute for watchful oversight.
2. Receive proper water skills training
Learn to float, tread water, and swim 25 yards without stopping. These basic skills prevent panic and give you options during emergencies.
Take swimming lessons with certified instructors. Professional training teaches proper technique and water safety, not just basic survival skills.
Build confidence gradually by starting in shallow water and progressing to deeper areas as your abilities improve.
3. Stay sober and assess your physical readiness
Avoid alcohol completely during water activities. Research shows even small amounts impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time.
Check your physical condition before swimming. Don't enter water when sick, exhausted, or taking medications that cause drowsiness.
4. Use proper safety equipment and protective gear
Install four-sided pool fencing at least four feet high with self-closing, self-latching gates to prevent unsupervised access to home swimming areas.
Use fitted Coast Guard-approved life jackets when on boats or in open water. Test them in shallow water first. Pool floaties can deflate or slip off during emergencies.
Keep rescue equipment accessible: reaching poles, throwing ropes, and ring buoys help rescue struggling swimmers without putting rescuers at risk.
5. Follow pool rules and safety guidelines
Don’t let your kids run at the pool. Wet surfaces cause slips even when they have textured grip coatings.
Always enter feet first in shallow water or areas where you don't know the depth. Diving into shallow water can cause permanent spinal injuries.
Monitor breath-holding games and underwater contests. These can cause shallow water blackouts if not performed properly.
6. Choose safe locations and avoid dangerous conditions
Swim in areas with lifeguards when possible. They know local hazards, maintain safety standards, and can respond quickly in emergencies.
Check that the water is clear before entering. Murky water hides debris, sudden depth changes, and other dangers you can't see.
Stay out of the water during storms. Lightning strikes water, and wind creates strong currents even in smaller lakes and rivers.
7. Know basic emergency response and rescue techniques
Call 911 immediately if someone goes missing or appears to be struggling. Brain damage begins within minutes of submersion.
Get trained in CPR and first aid. The first few minutes make the difference between life and death. Keep your certification current.
Learn what drowning looks like:
- The person is vertical in water.
- The head is tilted back.
- Their mouth is at water level.
- They aren’t moving forward.
- They can't wave or yell.
Use reach-throw-don't-go for rescues. That means using your arms, legs, or throwable objects instead of entering the water. Untrained rescuers often become additional victims.
8. Protect your health while swimming
Stay hydrated during water activities. Swimming causes fluid loss through exertion and sun exposure, even when you don't feel thirsty.
Apply waterproof sunscreen before swimming and reapply every two hours. Water reflects UV rays and increases sun damage risk. Learn what SPF stands for to choose proper protection levels. Watch for signs of sun poisoning during extended outdoor sessions.
Don't swallow pool or natural water. Pools contain chemicals, while natural water harbors bacteria and parasites.
Swimming safety rules for kids
Children need constant adult supervision around water. Drowning happens in under 20 seconds, often without any noise or obvious struggle. Keeping your kids safe during summer vacation, weekend pool parties, or regular beach trips requires constant vigilance and clear safety rules.
Teach children to ask permission before going near water. This simple rule prevents unsupervised swimming and gives you time to set up proper safety measures.
Make sure life jackets fit properly and have Coast Guard approval. Check them regularly and replace any that are damaged or too small for your child.
Who should not go swimming
If you have heart problems, seizure disorders, or breathing issues, check with your doctor before swimming. These conditions can turn dangerous quickly in water.
Don't swim if you're taking medications that make you drowsy or affect your coordination. Being impaired in water significantly increases your drowning risk.
Stay out of pools and shared water if you're sick, especially with stomach bugs or skin infections. These illnesses spread easily through water and make other people sick.
Choose swimwear that enhances safety
High-visibility swimwear adds another layer of safety when you follow these guidelines. The right gear helps, but never replaces active supervision and smart water habits. Bright neon colors cut through glare and help parents track their children. Choose the best swimsuit colors for safety in different water environments.
UPF 50+ swimwear blocks 98% of harmful UV rays even when wet. SwimZip's swimwear carries the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation, which means dermatologists have independently verified the sun protection claims work as advertised.
Full-coverage designs protect more skin from sun damage and reduce scrapes from pool surfaces. Long-sleeve rash guards give you comprehensive protection during longer water activities.
Family matching swimwear makes it easier to spot your kids in busy areas. When everyone's wearing coordinated colors or patterns, you can find your family members faster in crowded pools or on beaches.
Swimwear FAQ
What to do if you accidentally swallow pool water?
Most accidental ingestion of small amounts is harmless, but rinse your mouth with fresh water afterward. Watch for nausea, diarrhea, or stomach cramps over the next 24–48 hours. Seek medical attention if you develop persistent gastrointestinal symptoms, fever, or feel unwell. Avoid deliberately swallowing pool water as it contains chemicals and potential contaminants.
What is the most common injury in swimming?
Shoulder injuries, particularly swimmer's shoulder from repetitive overhead motions, are most common among regular swimmers. Slip-and-fall accidents on wet pool decks cause numerous injuries. Diving-related head and spinal injuries often occur in shallow water. Eye irritation from pool chemicals affects many swimmers. Cuts from pool drains, ladders, or rough surfaces also happen regularly in swimming environments.
How deep is safe for swimming?
Swimming depth safety depends on your skill level and activity. Non-swimmers should stay in water below chest level. Experienced swimmers can handle deeper water but should avoid swimming alone in depths over 10 feet. Always check for underwater hazards, drop-offs, and entrapment risks. Test depth gradually and know your limits.
What should you do if caught in a rip current?
Don't panic or try to swim directly back to shore against the current. Swim parallel to the shoreline until you escape the current's pull, then swim at an angle back to land. If you can't escape, float or tread water while waving and calling for help.
When should children start swimming lessons?
Children can begin basic water safety and floating skills as early as 6 months, but formal swimming lessons are most effective starting around age 4. At this age, children have better motor skills and can follow instructions more effectively. However, swimming lessons don't replace standard safety measures. Adult supervision is essential regardless of a child’s swimming ability.
How can you prevent swimmer's ear and other infections?
Dry your ears thoroughly after swimming by tilting your head and gently towel the outer ear. Avoid using cotton swabs inside the ear canal. Use earplugs if you swim often or are prone to ear infections. Shower immediately after swimming to remove pool chemicals and bacteria. Choose well-maintained facilities with proper chemical balance and filtration systems to reduce infection risk.
Resources
Drowning Facts | Drowning Prevention. (2024, May 16). CDC. Retrieved August 28, 2025, from https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/data-research/facts/index.html
Sas, S. V., Keech, J. J., Peden, A. E., Hagger, M. S., & Hamilton, K. (2025). Understanding alcohol use around water: A qualitative analysis of the experiences of young males. British journal of health psychology, 30(3), e12809. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjhp.12809
Further reading
Sun-safe swimwear family ideas
Keeping children safe around swimming pools
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