Whether it's at a backyard pool or a local lake, swimming is a quintessential part of early childhood development for preschool kids. In addition to being fun, this activity gets kids to exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and cool off from the heat. There are plenty of reasons for little ones to take a dip, but safety is still critical. Without the proper precautions, young or inexperienced swimmers face a higher risk of drowning or injury. Here’s you can minimize these dangers.

Swimming Safety Tips for Kids

1. Always Supervise

Children — especially those at preschool age or younger — should always be supervised by a trusted adult. Since accidents can happen fast, keeping a watchful eye on your kids allows you to respond in a timely fashion. If possible, choose locations where lifeguards are present or recruit the help of other parents to help you keep watch.

2. Consider Lessons

While parents can always introduce younger swimmers to the water gradually, you can speed up the process by enrolling your child in swimming lessons through a local summer camp or recreational program. In addition to providing comprehensive instruction, this experience can also help preschool kids gain confidence in the water.

3. Set Clear Rules

Before you let your child get into the water, establish clear and simple rules to prevent accidents. If you’re at a pool, for example, explain that running, jumping, going into the deep end, or playing in the drains are off-limits. For older kids at lakes or streams, set clear guidelines for how far they can go out into the water.

4. Use Flotation Devices & Choose Toys Carefully

Playing with pool toys can be exciting, but some can present risks — especially inflatables that are large and heavy. Let your child play with only one or two items at a time, and avoid toys that can obstruct your view or trap a swimmer underwater. Water wings and life vests are smart ways to keep little ones safely above water.

Let your child get the most out of their summer by signing them up for a program at Lucky Lane Nursery School. Through their summer camp, this St. Louis, MO, preschool offers a variety of exciting and educational activities — including outdoor water play. Whatever the group is up to, you can count on these qualified educators to follow best practices to help keep your child safe and secure. To learn more about how this learning center can enhance early childhood development, visit their website. For questions about enrollment, call a friendly associate at (314) 434-4462.