- If the water is too rough or deep for your small child, take along a portable pool and place it a safe distance away from the water. This way your child will still have fun in the water and be safe.
- Do not visit beaches where there are no lifeguards or first-aid stations. Closely suervise your child even when a lifeguard is present.
- Never leave your young child alone at a beach even if there is a lifeguard present. Lifeguards are not babysitters.
- Don’t allow your child in the water if there is a storm threatening, no matter how far away.
- Don’t force your child to go into the water if they are afraid.
- Toddlers are easily knocked over by surf and undertow. Watch for sleeper waves.
- Teach your child to call for help if in trouble.
- If the water is rough or wavy have your child wear an approved life jacket as a precaution.
Remember that no young child is totally ‘water safe’ even if they know how to swim.
This is a great checklist at a glance. Thanks!