What and WHen To Talk About Water Safety With Your Kids!

When it comes to raising water competent children, it is essential that the conversation doesn't just happen in swim lessons. The conversation must continue at home. When children see a connection between things they learn in lessons to things they hear their family talk about, they learn that water safety is something their family values and therefore must be important.

​We recognized that raising water competent swimmers can be a challenge, especially if you do not have a strong swimming foundation. To support you, we've come up with some topics on what to talk about and some important times to talk with your swimmers.

What do I talk about with my swimmer?

Water competency means that your swimmer not only has strong swimming skills but also knows how to make smart choices in ANY type of water. The conversation starts with teaching your swimmer about the water in and around your home.

Here are some questions you can ask your swimmers when talking about water safety at home:

• Where can you find water in our house?
• What are other types of water near our home? Consider pools, splash pads/parks, waterparks, lakes, streams, rivers, ponds, oceans.
• What is the same about all these types of water?
• What is different about all these types of water?
• What are some family rules about the water at home? around the neighborhood?
• What should you do if you recognize that someone needs help?
• What should you do if you are in a dangerous situation?
• Who can you call for help in the event of a water emergency?

​Remember every swimmer is at a different stage in their development and understanding of water safety. When you start talking about water safety, keep in mind that you will want to start where your child is at. Consider connecting new information with the knowledge they already have.

When is a good time to talk about water safety?

"My days are so incredibly busy with taking our children to/ from school, after-school activities, playdates, birthday parties, and more! We have to cook, clean, bathe, work, go grocery shopping, help my kids with homework, and sleep. I hardly have time to relax. Now you want me to talk about water safety? Isn't that what I'm paying a swim instructor for? Lady, are you out of your mind."

Do those thoughts sound familiar?
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We hear you! Parenting is hard! Our days are crazy! And YES, the swim instructor is the expert! We also know that YOU CAN DO THIS!

Before you go tossing in the towel, check out these logical times throughout our insane days where you can naturally chat about the water with your swimmers...

• Bath time
• Dinner table discussions
• Bedtime stories
• Driving to the pool, waterpark, or beach
• On your way to swimming lessons
• When you're hanging outside on a hot summer day

Talking about water safety doesn't need to be a huge undertaking. The best water safety conversations are those that are specific and relevant. Talking about water safety before heading to the beach or taking a bath will help your swimmer remember those safe water habits you've been modeling and practicing while having fun!

​Remember that starting the conversation at a young age, consistently talking about water safety, and modeling water safety habits will help build a water competent swimmer! YOU GOT THIS!