Summer fun brings so much joy, but with all that water play comes *big* responsibility. That’s why we asked Megan Fernandez, a professional swim instructor with over 20 years of experience and mama of three, to share her expert tips on how to keep kids safe around water — so you can feel more at ease this season!
Give us a little intro! Tell us about yourself, your background, and how you got interested in water safety education.
Hi, I’m Megan — mom to three amazing little ones (6, 5, and 7 months) and a professional swim instructor! I’ve been teaching swim lessons for over 20 years now. I’ve coached at every level, and after having my own kids, I became especially passionate about keeping children safe in the water.
At what age should parents start thinking about water safety, and what are the first steps to take?
Parents should start thinking about water safety as early as infancy, even before their child can crawl or walk. Here’s what the first steps of water safety should look like:
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Never leave a child unattended near water, even for a moment.
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Learn CPR — every caregiver should know how to respond in an emergency.
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Use barriers: fences, gates, and locked doors can save lives.
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Use life jackets near natural water, docks, or boats.
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Model water safety. Kids copy what they see, so make sure you're setting the example!
Photo by: @ca.lys.sa
How can parents make water safety fun for young children? Any games or activities that keep the joy alive?
You can find a balance between setting rules and keeping things fun by giving kids a role, and making them part of the safety team. This can look like:
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Letting them check that the pool gate is closed before play starts.
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Asking them to help with a “safety check”: Is there an adult nearby? Towels? Sunscreen?
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Giving them the job of reminding everyone to “wait for the grown-up” before getting in.
Next, play the “What’s the plan?” and “What if?” game! Anytime you’re near water, ask them, “What’s the plan to stay safe here?” Let them come up with answers like: “Stay where I can touch the bottom.” “Ask before I get in.” “Watch my little brother.”
Then, move onto “What if…” questions: “What if you drop a toy in the deep end?” “What if your friend wants to race there?” “What if you feel tired in the pool?”
What's the biggest water safety myth parents believe that could actually put their little ones at risk?
Before we dive in, this can be hard to talk about, but it’s important. An educated parent is an empowered parent! Let’s bust a few common myths:
Myth 1: “I’ll hear my child if they’re in trouble — drowning is loud.”
Truth: Drowning is often completely silent. Kids can slip under quietly and freeze, and drowning can happen in less than 30 seconds, even in shallow water. In fact, it’s the leading cause of accidental death in kids under four.
Myth 2: “There are so many adults around — someone’s watching the pool.”
Truth: When everyone’s around, no one is actually watching. For this reason, use the “Designated Water Watcher” rule: one adult at a time acts as the lifeguard with undistracted eyes on the water.
Photo by: @abrancamp
What should parents look for when choosing swim lessons?
Here’s what to look for when choosing the right swim lessons:
1. Instructors with specialized training: Look for instructors certified in water safety, CPR, first aid, or with experience in adaptive swimming or working with children with special needs (like autism or physical disabilities).
2. Small class sizes: Private or small group lessons (ideally 2–4 kids) ensure each child gets the focus they need.
Summer's here! What are the essential water safety tips for parents and rules every family should establish?
Whether you’re poolside, beach-bound, lake-loving, or just splashing in the backyard, here are the essential water safety rules every family should set before diving in:
1. Children and non-swimmers must wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets in open water, like lakes, oceans, or rivers.
2. Never leave a child unsupervised around water, even for a moment. Always keep your eyes on them with phones down, full attention.
3. Establish clear swimming zones. Stay in shallow water, avoid strong currents, and keep away from boats or jet skis. Always be alert for rip currents or sudden changes in the water.
How can busy parents practice water safety at home, even without a pool?
Bathtime is the perfect chance to introduce water comfort and early swim skills, like face wetting, bubble blowing, goggle play, and back float practice. Even without a pool, you can start teaching water safety at home!
Photo by: @jenniferwilliamsonn
What’s your opinion on flotation devices?
Please skip the inflatable arm floaties. They can easily slip off or deflate and are NOT safe for swimming. While some swim programs advise to never use puddle jumpers (flotation devices that consist of arm floats connected to a chest piece, sometimes with a buckle that secures the device behind the back), as a mom of three, I get it. If you're juggling multiple kids, a puddle jumper might be the best option.
How do you balance teaching respect for water while still letting kids experience the fun of water play?
When it comes to water play, I’m 100% present with my kids. We don’t sugarcoat the rules or why they matter. With an infant and two older kids (5 and 6) who can swim, it’s essential that everyone understands the reason behind water safety. It’s not about fear — it’s about respect. I want my kids to have fun in the water, but also to understand how to stay safe.
What's your best advice for parents who are nervous swimmers themselves but want to keep their children safe?
Many parents feel nervous around water, especially if they never learned to swim or had a scary experience. Here’s the good news: You don’t have to be a strong swimmer to keep your child safe. You just need to be proactive and informed.
My best advice is always stay within arm’s reach of young children and set clear rules you can enforce even from dry land. And remember, even if you’re not swimming, your presence matters.
Staying safe in the water doesn’t mean dialing down the fun. If anything, knowing these important tips will put you at ease — so you can truly soak up every splashy moment together.
Got a swim tip to share? Drop it in the comments for a chance to win a $50 LS gift card. We pick one lucky winner each month!
