Water Safety for Young Children: A Lifesaving Skill

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death among young children, in Canada, making water safety critical. At Water Babies, we understand the importance of teaching water safety from an early age. Our program is designed to equip your child with essential safety skills, ensuring they are prepared for unexpected situations and reduce the risk of water-related accidents. Here’s a look at how we focus on water safety and what your child will learn in our classes.

Hold On 

One of the first safety skills we teach is how to hold on to the side of the pool. This simple yet vital skill can be a lifesaver if a child ever falls into the water unexpectedly. As they grow stronger, they’ll practice holding on to the mat, ensuring they’re capable of holding onto various surfaces even if a wall isn't nearby.  

Saffi Move to Safety 

Navigating the poolside is another essential skill. We teach your child how to move safely along the poolside to reach a ladder, stairs or shallow water. This skill ensures they know how to find the safest exit point, improving their chances of getting to safety.  

Name, Are You Ready? Splash 

Using word associations, we help our swimmers prepare for unexpected situations. With “Name, Are You Ready? Splash”, we stimulate the act of falling into the water, gradually teaching your little one how to turn themselves around underwater, kick to the surface and hold on. 

Safe Entries & Exits 

Knowing how to enter and exit the pool safely is fundamental. We teach your child the safest ways to get in and out of the water, minimizing risks of slips, falls and other accidents. 

Additionally, your child will learn to: 

  • Wait for an adult’s permission before entering the pool. From an early age, we’ll encourage carers to repeat the word “wait” while their child remains seated on poolside. This helps our swimmers understand they must not enter the water without adult supervision. 
  • Enter the pool safely by turning onto their tummies and sliding in. Doing so reduces the risk of jumping into bodies of water of unknown depth.  
  • Enter and exit the pool without relying on a ladder. This is important as they may not always be available when swimming. 

Floating 

Floating on their backs is a critical survival skill during an emergency. We teach little ones how to float on their backs, which can help them stay calm and conserve energy until help arrives. 

Conclusion 

Ensuring your child knows how to stay safe in and around water is one of the best gifts you can give them. With our structured program, your child will learn essential water safety skills in an engaging and supportive environment. From holding on to the poolside and moving to safety to learning safe entries and exits, our classes provide the foundation for a lifetime of safe water enjoyment. 

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