This post was guest written by Nikki Miller, licensed MFCT and 25+ year member of the US Swim School Association.

Drowning is a one of the leading causes of unintentional death for Australian children…and it is completely preventable. Many drownings occur when both parents are home or during gatherings, like family parties. To prevent these tragic deaths, it's critical to be educated about water safety and life-saving techniques. 

Water Safety for All Ages

Water safety isn’t just for homeowners with a pool in their backyard. It’s likely that at some point you and your family will be invited to a backyard pool party or an event that involves water! That’s where following these simple pool safety rules comes in handy.

Water Safety Rules for Children

  • Supervise children at all times when they're around the water. NEVER leave children unattended in the pool for even just a few minutes…never! Designate a specific person to be the pool supervisor. Don't assume someone is watching. 

  • Enroll your child in swim lessons. Babies as young as 2 weeks old can learn to get comfortable in the water and hold their breath...it's never too soon to start!  Teach your children to swim and enjoy...but also to respect the water. 

  • Install and properly maintain a multiple-barrier system if you have a pool at your home. Barriers include fences, gates, pool safety covers, pool and deck alarms, and door/window alarms.

  • Make sure that children cannot climb your fence. Check to make sure there are no holes or spaces where children can slip through. Ensure that gates open away from the pool, self-close and positively self-latch from any open position. Gates should always be locked when the pool is not in use.

  • Don't rely on flotation devices or toys to keep a child afloat.

  • Locate or own rescue equipment in the pool area—have it available for immediate use. 

  • Keep a phone by the pool. This way you can use it in case of an emergency.

  • Don't allow the pool to be used if: water clarity is poor, electrical storms are in the area, main drain grates are broken or missing, or the pool cover has not been completely removed from the surface of the pool.

  • Keep toys, tricycles and other items attractive to children away from the pool when it's not in use.

  • Enroll in first aid and CPR course. Learn what to do in case of an emergency.

 Learn More about Nikki Miller: Nikki is a licensed Marriage, Family and Child Therapist and owner of Academy Swim Club in Los Angeles, CA. Nikki has been teaching water safety and swim lessons for over 40 years, is a member of the US Swim School Association and runs the non-profit educational Aquatic Safety Awareness Program. Nikki has published many articles about the importance of introducing children to swimming early in infancy and is a nationally recognised speaker within the global swim community. Learn more about her mission here.

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider. Breastmilk is the best source of nutrition for babies. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, mothers eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast- and bottle-feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of a mother's breastmilk and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. If you do decide to use infant formula, you should follow instructions carefully.