Quick Tips for Water Safety on Vacation

• Always supervise children near water: Never leave kids alone, even for a moment.
   

• Use appropriate life jackets: Ensure children are wearing properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
   

• Stay within designated swim areas: Choose beaches, pools, or lakes with lifeguards and clear safety rules.
   

• Check water conditions: Before swimming, assess the water’s depth, temperature, and any currents.
   

• Keep children in sight: Whether on the beach, by the pool, or at a lake, always keep children within arm’s reach.
   

• Teach children basic water safety: Make sure they understand the importance of staying near you and not wandering off.
   

• Choose child-friendly destinations: Look for vacation spots with child-friendly water features like shallow pools or gentle beaches.
   

• Follow local safety guidelines: Abide by local water safety recommendations or regulations.
   

• Use sun protection: Always apply sunscreen to prevent sunburns and protect skin, especially in tropical climates.
   

• Know emergency procedures: Be prepared by knowing where lifeguards are located and how to reach emergency services.
   

 

Detailed Information on Water Safety While on Vacation with Children

General Safety Guidelines for Children Near Water

1. Supervise Children at All Times
   Whether you’re at a hotel pool, a beach, or a lake, always ensure constant supervision. Drownings can happen quickly and silently, even in shallow water. When on vacation, distractions such as taking photos, chatting with others, or checking your phone can pull your attention away from the water, so stay vigilant.
    

2. Use Life Jackets
   Life jackets are essential for young children, non-swimmers, and those who aren’t confident in the water. Make sure the life jacket fits snugly and is Coast Guard-approved. Even if the child is a good swimmer, life jackets offer an extra layer of protection, especially in unfamiliar or potentially dangerous waters like rivers or the open ocean.
    

3. Stay in Designated Swimming Areas
   Many resorts and beaches have marked swimming zones that are monitored by lifeguards. These areas are usually safer, with clear signs of water depth and no strong currents. Avoid swimming in areas where it’s not allowed, and make sure to follow any posted warnings or guidelines.
    

4. Know the Water Conditions
   Before allowing your child to swim, check the water conditions. If you're on the beach, look for signs of strong currents, waves, or rip tides. At lakes or rivers, ensure there are no hidden drop-offs, dangerous water animals, or strong undercurrents. If there are lifeguards or local guides, don’t hesitate to ask about the conditions.
    

 

Safety at the Beach

1. Always Swim with a Buddy
   Never let children swim alone in the ocean or even in shallow beach waters. Strong waves, rip currents, or sudden drops can pose risks even for experienced swimmers. Ensure that kids are always accompanied by an adult or older child who is a confident swimmer.
    

2. Use Sun Protection
   While playing in the water, children are particularly at risk of sunburns due to the reflection of UV rays off the water. Apply waterproof sunscreen to children every 2 hours or after swimming. Consider using hats, sunglasses, and lightweight cover-ups to protect them further.
    

3. Identify Safe Water Zones
   Always use areas designated for swimming, and pay attention to flags or signs posted by lifeguards. Green flags usually mean calm water, while red flags indicate strong currents or dangerous conditions. Never let children swim near piers, rocks, or the water’s edge where the waves can easily pull them.
    

4. Know the Rip Currents
   Rip currents are powerful and fast-moving channels of water that can pull swimmers out to deeper areas. Teach children the importance of staying close to shore and never trying to fight against a rip current. If caught in one, swim parallel to the shore until you break free of the current.
    

 

Safety at Pools

1. Never Leave Children Unattended by the Pool
   Always supervise children, even in shallow areas. Poolside distractions are common on vacation, but children can drown in less than 2 inches of water. If you need to leave, have another adult take over the supervision, or take the child with you.
    

2. Ensure Pools Have Proper Fencing and Barriers
   If your vacation destination has a private pool, ensure there is a fence or other barrier that will prevent children from wandering in unsupervised. For public pools, make sure the area is secured, and that there are no gaps or areas children could slip through.
    

3. Know Pool Depths and Limits
   Before allowing children to jump or dive into the pool, be sure to check the depth. Small children should only swim in shallow areas, and if they are new swimmers, they should wear flotation devices.
    

4. Avoid Poolside Risks
   Pool decks can be slippery, so remind kids to walk and not run. Ensure that any poolside equipment, such as diving boards or slides, are being used according to safety rules. If your children are new to using these features, closely supervise their use.
    

 

Lake and River Safety

1. Supervise Close to Water’s Edge
   If you are on vacation by a lake or river, be cautious near the water’s edge. Sudden drops or hidden obstacles can pose a danger. Ensure that children stay on designated paths and away from steep embankments.
    

2. Use Life Jackets in Non-Resort Areas
   For activities like kayaking, paddleboarding, or boating, always ensure children wear life jackets. Lakes and rivers can have unpredictable currents and water conditions. It’s easy for children to slip from small boats or rafts, so life jackets provide added safety.
    

 Teach Water Safety and Swimming in Open Water
In open water, swimming skills are important for children. Teach them how to stay calm, float, and get to safety in case they find themselves in a deeper area or struggling against currents.
 

 

Hotel and Resort Water Activities

Stay Within Resort-Supervised Activities
Many vacation resorts offer child-friendly water activities, like water slides, lazy rivers, and shallow pools. Always ensure these activities are supervised by lifeguards or resort staff. If your child is under 6, it’s often best to join them on the slides or water play areas for safety.
 

Follow the Resort’s Pool and Water Rules
Each resort or hotel has specific rules for pools, hot tubs, and waterparks. Review them with your children to ensure they know what’s allowed (e.g., no running, no jumping, etc.) and what safety precautions are in place (e.g., no swimming without a life jacket).
 

Avoid Hot Tubs for Young Children
Hot tubs or spas at resorts may seem like fun but can be dangerous for young children due to the high water temperature. If you allow your child to use a hot tub, ensure the temperature is lower than 100°F (37.8°C) and that they are always supervised.
 

 

General Tips for Families on Vacation

 

Teach Kids Water Safety Rules Early
Whether you’re at a hotel pool or a beach, explain the water safety rules to your children before you get in. Teach them to stay close to an adult and not to swim too far from the shore or poolside.
 

Stay Hydrated and Rested
Water activities can be exhausting, especially for children. Make sure to take frequent breaks, stay hydrated, and rest in between swimming sessions to avoid fatigue and heat exhaustion.
 

Know Emergency Procedures
Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency exits, lifeguards, and first-aid stations. Knowing how to contact emergency services and how to handle a water-related emergency can make all the difference in a crisis