Water Safety Myths
When it comes to water safety, many parents fall into the trap of thinking their children are safer than they actually are. There are several common myths about drowning that can create a false sense of security. The truth is, drowning can happen quickly and quietly, even in situations that seem completely safe. Let’s debunk some misconceptions about drowning and provide tips to ensure you’re always prepared to protect your child around water.
“I would hear if my child needs help.” No, you won’t. Drowning is silent. It doesn’t look like the dramatic splashing and flailing seen in movies. When supervising your child around water, focus on watching closely and listening carefully.
“My child knows not to get in the water without an adult.” Young children have not yet developed full impulse control, and even teens are still working on this ability. It only takes a moment for curiosity to lead them into danger.
“I’ll only be gone for a minute.” You might be gone for just a minute, but drowning can happen in an instant. Never leave a child unsupervised in or near water—no matter how brief your absence.
“My toddler has learned self-rescue skills.” While swim lessons may teach toddlers self-rescue techniques, there’s no guarantee these skills will always work. Water competency can decline quickly after lessons end. Just because a child knows how to self-rescue at one point doesn’t mean they can always do it when needed.
“The lifeguard is keeping my child safe.” Lifeguards are responsible for watching everyone in the pool, not your child specifically. It’s your job to supervise and stay vigilant.
“The water is shallow, they’ll be fine.” Drowning can occur in just a few inches of water. Bathtubs, kiddie pools, or even buckets are dangerous without constant supervision.
“There are plenty of grownups here.” When there are multiple adults around, it’s easy to assume someone else is watching the children. But as the saying goes, “When everyone is watching, no one is watching.” Stay vigilant, even in a crowd.
“Swim time is over, there’s no need to worry about drowning.” Even after swim time ends, kids can be drawn back into the water without you noticing. Stay alert until the gate is latched or the door is securely locked.
Stay safe this summer!