The ABCD’s of Water Safety for Kids

Water is life.

It’s refreshing, calming, useful, powerful.

Like many, I’ve always been drawn to the water. Swimming is so ethereal and cathartic. But as a former lifeguard, I also know that the water needs to be treated with respect and caution. Now that I have young kids, I’m trying to be vigilant about teaching them water safety. Find out how with a simple acronym.

The ABCD’s of Water Safety for Kids:

• ADULT: Never leave children alone near any body of water, whether a pool, ocean, lake, or even a small stream or bathtub. Tragedy can strike in a moment. Teach your children to avoid water if you’re not around. That way, if they happen upon some water, they will know to come get you first.

• BARRIER: If you have a pool, have a four-sided fence that goes completely around your pool with a self-locking secure gate. It’s your responsibility to keep kids out, even the neighbor kids.

• CLASSES: Kids should take swim lessons until they are comfortable and proficient enough to save themselves in water over their heads. Adults should also consider taking lifesaving classes and get certified in CPR. When the moment comes that you need it, you’ll wish you had.

• DRAINS: No matter how strong of a swimmer you are, stay away from all pool and spa drains. Anyone can get trapped by their suction or have hair or jewelry get entangled in it. (Find out more with this video.)

With younger children, consider reading them the book The Polar Bear Who Couldn’t, Wouldn’t Swim. It was written by the co Founders of the ZAC Foundation, Karen and Brian Cohn. Zeke is a Polar bear who is afraid to swim and he goes searching for other animals that hate the water just like him. Eventually he learns to face his fears and stay safe in the water by following the ABCD’s of water safety. It’s a fun way to get the discussion started with your family.

The ZAC Foundation was created to provide children and their parents ways to know how to be safer around water through education and advocacy programs. The ZAC Foundation shares a wealth of water safety tips, resources and programming (ZAC Camps) for parents and children of all ages (birth to teenagers). The Foundation especially targets children ages 5-9 with most of their safety programming.

The ZAC Foundation is giving away 15 summer fun packs that include:

• The ZAC Foundation Children’s Book: The Polar Bear Who Couldn’t, Wouldn’t Swim
• Beach towel
• Wristband
• Water Watcher Card

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

• Prizes: 15 Summer Fun Kits (ARV $50) provided by The ZAC Foundation (pictured here)
• Dates: Monday, May 16 at 9pm PT – Monday, June 13 at 9pm PT
• Entry Options: Readers may enter the giveaway via the widget with the following options:
  • Leave a Blog Post Comment: How do you teach your kids about summer fun water safety?
  • Tweet about the giveaway
  • Follow @ZACFoundation on Twitter
  • Visit The ZAC Foundation on Facebook
  • Follow @polarbear_zeke on Instagram
  • Educate yourself on the issue and watch The ZAC Foundation Drain Entrapment video
  • Sign up for the ZAC Foundation Newsletter
• Notification: Winners will be randomly selected and notified by Clever Girls and/or The ZAC Foundation by June 20
• Terms & Conditions: The official Terms & Conditions are included in the widget; here is the high-level eligibility criteria:
  • Age 18+
  • US resident only
  • Only one winner per household

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.