6 Tips Every Parent Should Know About Water Safety

This post is sponsored by Foss Swim Schools, opening four locations in Denver this Fall!

If you’re raising kids in Colorado, chances are, you’ll find yourself around the water. And while water can be a source of joy, confidence, and lifelong memories, it’s also something that demands respect. The truth is, water safety isn’t a one and done lesson. It’s an ongoing skill set that can truly save lives.

Foss Swim School believes that teaching kids to love and respect the water leads to safer
swimmers and more confident families. But there’s more to water safety than just swim lessons.

6 facts every parent and caregiver should know before making a splash this summer:

1. No one is ever “drown proof.”

Even kids who swim like fish still face risks in the water. Skills, confidence, and endurance all matter and they build over time. The more swim skills they develop, the safer they’ll be, but no one is completely safe from water-related accidents. Not even Olympic swimmers. The goal is progress, not perfection.

2. Drowning is silent.

Unlike in the movies, real drowning doesn’t come with screams or thrashing. It often happens quickly and quietly. That’s why Foss Swim School recommends designating a Water Watcher – someone who is actively supervising kids in and around the water, without distractions.

3. False confidence can be dangerous.

It’s natural to want your child to feel confident and have fun in the water, but you should be cautious of giving them a false sense of security. Constantly catching them when they jump in, relying on water wings, or holding them up so they never go under can delay their ability to understand how water works and how to safely navigate it. Kids need to experience water in a supportive environment where they can learn to float, submerge, and move on their own. That’s where true confidence—and safety—comes from.

4. The best water safety is multi-layered.

There’s no single approach to preventing drowning. The best way to approach water safety is multi-layered, and each layer adds another level of defense. Here are some layers of protection:

• • • Pool fences and gate alarms
    • Life jackets on open water
    • Swim lessons from qualified instructors
    • Close, distraction-free supervision
    • CPR training for adults

5. There is no substitute for attention.

Many child drownings happen when adults are
nearby but distracted. Phones, conversations, or just looking away for a second can
have devastating consequences. Adults need to practice active watching, and they can
take turns being the official water watcher, making it clear who’s on duty. Communication
and shared responsibility can make all the difference.

6. It’s never too late to start swim lessons.

Starting swim lessons early is great but later is still better than never. Foss Swim School teaches kids of all ages, including beginners who are older than you might expect. In fact, older learners often progress quickly and build skills with surprising speed. It’s never too late to prioritize water safety!

Water can be one of the best parts of childhood AND parenthood. Whether you’re at the pool or planning a summer getaway, remembering these safety truths will help your whole family start safer, more confident, and ready to make memories.

Foss Swim School is opening 4 new locations in the Denver area this fall! For over 30 years,
FOSS has been trusted by thousands of families across the Midwest to help children and adults become confident, capable swimmers. Their unique Swim Path curriculum breaks skills into achievable steps, so swimmers make real progress and love the journey.
With a fun, personalized approach and adult teachers who specialize in working with kids,

FOSS doesn’t just teach swimming lessons – they teach a life skill. Join the hundreds of
thousands of FOSS graduates who are now safer and stronger in the water today!

Enrollment begins on June 10th with classes set to begin in September!