16/05/2026
Today is International Water Safety Day 💙
As swim instructors and lifeguards, we see firsthand how important water safety education is, and how quickly accidents can happen. Drowning is fast, silent, and 100% preventable.
Here are some of the biggest water safety reminders we want every family to know. There is not one single thing you can do to be enough to prevent drowning. Following all of these water safety tips will significantly increase safety around water.
1. Water competency matters.
Swim lessons save lives. Learning to swim is one of the BEST layers of protection you can give your child. But water competency isn’t just for kids, adults need it too. We have so many parents tell us they “can’t swim,” while enrolling their child in lessons. Children should NEVER be expected to keep themselves 100% safe in the water. Parents and caregivers need to be able to respond in an emergency too.
2. Adult supervision ALWAYS.
Never leave a child unattended near ANY body of water. This includes the bath tub. Period.
Not for “just a second.” Not to run inside. Not to answer a text. Not to grab a towel. Accidents happen in seconds, and distractions can last much longer than we realize. Even adults should always have someone else with them while swimming. Anyone can drown.
3. Be prepared for emergencies.
Know CPR. It can save a life before first responders arrive.
Like a Fish has 3 certified lifeguard instructors who are certified to teach CPR, and we would be more than willing to teach anyone how to perform CPR for FREE. (The only cost would be if you want official certification, since the Red Cross charges certification fees.)
4. Pool rules exist for a reason.
No running. No breath-holding games. No roughhousing. No diving in shallow water.
Shallow water blackout, due to prolonged breath holding is real and extremely dangerous, never push yourself to hold your breath longer than what is comfortable. Enforcing safety rules doesn’t make you “mean” — it helps keep kids alive.
5. Use barriers and layers of protection.
Fences, self-latching gates, pool alarms, door alarms, safety covers, Catch-A-Kid nets, and locked access points all add important protection between children and water.
6. Don’t leave toys in or around the pool.
Pool toys can tempt children to go back toward the water unsupervised because they want their favorite toy. Remove toys when swim time is over.
7. Know what drowning REALLY looks like.
It does NOT look like the movies.
Most drowning is silent. A child often cannot yell, wave, or splash for help. Learn the signs and stay actively engaged when supervising. Also, teach other children to call for help if they see someone in distress, never encourage children to try and perform a rescue on their own. Kids, especially older siblings, love to help, and they need to know how to help safely.
8. Designate a “Water Watcher.”
At parties or gatherings, adults often assume “someone else is watching.” Assign one responsible adult whose ONLY job is supervising the water, no phones, no distractions.
9. Life jackets save lives — but they are not substitutes for supervision.
Use properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jackets when appropriate, especially around open water. Practice swimming with and without life jackets. We have seen so many children who jump in without their floaties, not realizing that they actually can’t swim without them.
10. Respect the water.
Even experienced swimmers can get tired, panic, slip, or encounter unexpected conditions. Water safety is important for everyone, every time.
11. BRIGHT SWIM SUITS, white, blue, tan, etc. Truly become invisible in the water. The color of a swim suit matters.
The water is such a fun place, but it needs to be respected and treated seriously.
Please share this post. One reminder could save a life. 💙
