Water Safety
Water Safety
Splash Smart This Summer
As warmer weather draws families to pools, rivers, and lakes, time on the water becomes part of summer fun. Swimming and water play can be joyful experiences when safety comes first. While drowning remains a leading cause of unintentional injury death for children under 14, the good news is that simple steps, like planning ahead, staying attentive, and setting clear expectations, can help you and your family enjoy the water safely.
Attention is the Best Protection
PRIORITIZE SWIM LESSONSBuild Water Skills
When your child is ready, swimming lessons can be an important step in building water confidence, with many experts recommending a start around age one.
No matter their skill level, adult supervision is always essential when kids are in the water.
PAY ATTENTIONAssign a “Water Watcher”
When multiple adults are present, choose a designated Water Watcher. This person focuses solely on supervising the water for a set time, such as 15 minutes, before switching with another adult.
STAY CLOSEBe Within Arm’s Reach
Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, even in shallow water. Keep infants and toddlers within arm’s reach at all times, often called “touch supervision,” to ensure they’re never out of reach.
Essential Water Safety Gear
Life Jackets Save Lives
Life jackets reduce the risk of drowning for people of all ages and swimming abilities. In Idaho, children 14 and under are required by law to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket when riding on most small boats, including canoes, kayaks, rafts, and motorboats. Always choose a properly fitted, Coast Guard-approved life jacket when spending time in or around open water.
Swimming aids such as water wings, puddle jumpers, and inflatables are not safety devices and should never replace close supervision or a life jacket.
A properly fitted life jacket should feel snug without restricting movement. To check the fit, have your child raise both arms straight up—if the jacket moves up toward the chin or ears, it may be too large or the straps too loose. Infants should not be on any type of boat until they meet the minimum weight requirement for an approved life jacket.
