Making Summer Safe: Apple Montessori's Essential Water Safety Tips for Families
As the temperatures rise and summer draws near, families naturally flock to pools, beaches, lakes, and splash zones to cool off and create cherished memories. While water activities offer countless opportunities for fun, they also come with serious safety considerations. At Apple Montessori Schools, we believe in nurturing the whole child—and that includes helping families stay safe in every environment, including the water.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental injury-related death in young children, and most of these tragedies are preventable. Whether your child is a confident swimmer or just starting out, consistent supervision and proactive safety habits are critical.
To support our families in creating a summer filled with joy and security, we’ve enlisted the help of Apple’s Director of Aquatics Lou Waibel in compiling a list of essential water safety tips every parent, caregiver, and child should know.
1. Always Swim with a Buddy
Even strong swimmers should never swim alone. Always swim with a buddy, and in designated areas supervised by a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not available, assign a responsible adult as a “Water Watcher”—someone who is fully attentive and free from distractions like phones, conversations, alcohol, or reading. Drowning is often silent and can happen in seconds, even in shallow water.
2. Steer Clear of Drains and Suction Outlets
Teach children to stay away from drains, especially in spas or hot tubs. Powerful suction can pose entrapment hazards. Ensure all drain covers are properly installed and compliant with safety standards.
3. Add Layers of Protection Around Your Pool
Secure pools with a fence that is at least four feet high and equipped with self-closing, self-latching gates. Additional tools such as pool covers and door alarms provide further safety when the pool is not in use. Think of these as barriers between your child and danger, as they can buy valuable time and prevent tragic accidents.
4. Floaties Are Fun—But Not Life Savers
Inflatable toys and arm floaties are not safety devices. They can give a false sense of security and are no substitute for life jackets or adult supervision. Non-swimmers should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests when near or in the water.
5. Learn CPR—It Could Save a Life
Knowing how to perform CPR can be the difference between life and death. In an emergency, every second counts. We encourage all caregivers and older siblings to take a certified CPR course. Being prepared means being empowered.
6. Hire a Certified Lifeguard for Swim Parties
If you’re hosting a birthday or summer celebration that includes swimming, consider hiring a certified lifeguard. A trained professional is focused solely on safety, allowing parents to relax while knowing someone is vigilantly watching the water. Lifeguards are trained to recognize and respond to distress quickly, keeping the fun safe for everyone.
7. Keep Rescue Equipment Accessible
Be prepared with the right tools, and the knowledge to use them. Essentials include a ring buoy, reaching pole, throw bag, and a portable phone for emergency calls. Teach children and caregivers the basic rescue method: Reach, Throw, Row—Don’t Go, which encourages helping from a safe distance rather than entering the water and risking additional danger.
Safety First, Summer Always
At Apple, we emphasize preparation, awareness, and confidence, in the classroom and beyond. By building water safety habits early and practicing them often, families can enjoy a summer full of adventure and peace of mind. And as our summer camp program nears, this will be top of mind in our schools as well. Most of our schools feature saltwater swimming pools, utilized during camp to offer swimming lessons with Red Cross certified lifeguards so children gain confidence in the water and the skills they need to stay safe and have fun. Learn more about our camp program today.
Here’s to a safe, splash-filled season of fun and learning!
