A pair of young children wearing bright swimsuits playing at the shallow edge of a pool while an adult sits watching from the side

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Practical water safety advice for parents, pool owners, and everyone who enjoys aquatic activities.

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A calm backyard swimming pool with a safety fence and gate, seen from a slight distance on a sunny day Supervision Janice Jaicks · February 11, 2011

There is no substitute for eye-to-eye contact when watching children around water. Constant, close supervision is the single most effective layer of protection.

A bright orange life jacket resting on the edge of a wooden dock overlooking calm lake water under a clear sky PFD Use Water Safety Magazine

Using a properly fitted life jacket can make the difference in an emergency. Learn when PFDs help — and when they shouldn't replace skill-building in the water.

A windswept beach with moderate waves, an orange safety flag fluttering on a pole, and a distant lifeguard station Open Water Water Safety Magazine

Beaches, lakes, and rivers present different hazards than pools. Understand currents, flags, and weather before entering open water.

Key Safety Practices

Around the Pool

  • Install four-sided fencing with a self-latching gate to isolate the pool from the house.
  • Keep a phone nearby — never leave to answer a call while children are in the water.
  • Learn to recognize the signs of drowning: it is often silent, with no splashing or calling out.
  • Remove toys from the pool area after use so they don't attract unsupervised children.

Boating & Open Water

  • Wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket at all times on boats and near open water.
  • Check weather and water conditions before heading out; heed posted warning flags.
  • Avoid alcohol while boating or swimming — it impairs judgment and coordination.
  • Swim near a lifeguard whenever possible and never swim alone.

At Home

  • Empty buckets, wading pools, and bathtubs immediately after use.
  • Install door alarms and pool alarms as additional layers of protection.
  • Enroll children in formal swim lessons — but remember that lessons do not drown-proof a child.
  • Learn CPR and keep rescue equipment accessible.
Electric shock drowning is a hidden danger in marinas and around docks. The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual inspections of all electrical systems near water and never swimming within 100 yards of a marina or dock with shore power.
— National Fire Protection Association guidance, as reported by Water Safety Magazine

More Resources

Close-up of bright blue swimming pool water with two diagonal lane dividers and rippling reflections Educational Videos

Watch PSAs and instructional videos on drowning prevention and safe aquatic recreation.

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A red and white pool test kit next to a clean swimming pool, with sunlight reflecting off the water surface Infographics

Visual guides covering pool safety, drowning statistics, and seasonal safety reminders.

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A pair of young children wearing bright swimsuits playing at the shallow edge of a pool while an adult sits watching from the side Parents & Kids

Resources and stories to help families build a culture of water safety at home.

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