Water Safety Starts at ºÚÁÏÇ鱨վ: Tips for Parents During Water Safety Month
May is National Water Safety Month, a time to spotlight the importance of staying safe in and around the water. At Australian Swim School, we believe that water safety starts well before a child steps into the pool—it begins at home with everyday habits, awareness, and proactive parenting.
Whether you have a backyard pool, visit public swimming areas, or just love splashing around during bath time, these practical tips can help you create a safer environment for your little ones.
1. Make Water Safety Part of Your Daily Routine
Teaching water safety doesn’t require a pool. Start with small, consistent actions:

- Always supervise bath time—never leave a young child unattended near water.
- Keep toilet lids closed and buckets stored upside down to avoid accidental access.
- Practice “reach or throw, don’t go” scenarios during play to teach safe helping behaviors.
2. Learn the Layers of Protection
Think of water safety like layers of Swiss cheese—each one helps reduce risk:
- Supervision – Always keep your eyes on your child around water.
- Barriers – Install pool fences, door alarms, and self-closing gates.
- Swim Lessons – Enroll in year-round lessons like ours to build skills and confidence.
- CPR Training – Consider taking a CPR class so you’re prepared in an emergency.
3. Model Good Behavior
Children mimic what they see. Show them what water-smart behavior looks like:

- Walk, don’t run, near the pool.
- Always ask permission before entering the water.
- Wear life jackets when boating or near open water—even adults.
4. Turn Safety Lessons into Playtime
Young children learn best through fun. Use toys, songs, and games to reinforce safety:
- Make up a “water safety dance” they can perform before swim time.
- Use floating toys to demonstrate staying calm on their back (a key skill we teach in class!).
- Role-play scenarios, like what to do if they see someone in trouble.
5. Take Advantage of Free Resources
Did you know we offer a
free first lesson at all of our locations? It’s the perfect way to introduce your child to essential water safety skills in a fun, supportive environment. Plus, babies under 5 months swim for free—with just a one-time lifetime family registration fee.
Celebrate Water Safety Month With Us
Water safety is a lifelong journey—and May is the perfect time to recommit to it as a family. Whether it’s reinforcing rules at home, joining our progressive swim program, or just talking more about being safe around water, every step counts.
Want more water safety tips? Download our free mobile app for scheduling, notifications, and educational content right at your fingertips.
Australian Swim School – Where Water Safety Begins