Big Blue Swim School Shares Top Water Safety Tips Ahead of Spring Break

Easy-to-Follow Reminders to Keep Kids Safe Around the Water

With spring break around the corner, Big Blue Swim School urges families to review important water safety tips before vacationing. The CDC’s 2024 Vital Signs report notes that drowning rates are, unfortunately, on the rise. As families travel to warm destinations that often include water activities, the reality is that these unfamiliar environments can heighten the risk of unsafe behaviors around the water.

Big Blue Swim School encourages families to follow these top five water safety tips, which are easy to remember with the SAFER acronym, to make sure that families remain safe around the water this spring break:

• Swim with a Buddy – All children should be assigned a buddy to swim with who can raise the alarm if something seems off. Remember, lifeguards are not babysitters. Even with this critical safety system in place at pools or beaches, adult supervision around water is essential.
• Acquire CPR and First Aid Training – Parents and caregivers should take CPR and first aid training through a reputable organization, such as the American Red Cross or American Heart Association, so you can be better prepared in case an accident ever occurs. You can often find these classes at local education centers.

• Find and Reduce Water Hazards - Get to know the pool and beach area where you are staying. Understand what safety measures are in place, such as locked gates, fences, and other barriers. Even with reduced hazards, don’t forget resources like a life jacket, and not just any life jacket. A properly fitting life jacket fits snug, is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, and stays under a child’s chin when they lift their arms overhead.

• Enroll in Swim Lessons - The CDC notes that formal swim lessons reduce drowning by 88%, making year-round formal swim lessons the best way to help a child be ready around the water.
• Respond Fast and Call 911 for Emergencies – Designate a Water Watcher, an adult in your group who will closely monitor swimmers and can respond quickly to any situation. We recommend rotating the Water Watcher every 30 minutes to avoid supervision fatigue.

Drowning remains a leading cause of death for children under 14, but parents can reduce this risk by following foundational water safety measures, including enrolling children in formal swim lessons.

“Children and parents work hard all year long, and families deserve to have a fun and worry-free trip this spring break,” says Chris DeJong, Founder and President of Big Blue Swim School and five-time U.S. National Champion swimmer. “Heading into your vacation feeling confident about your children’s swim skills is unbeatable, and we are here to help families achieve that. We encourage everyone to be aware of their surroundings near bodies of water, as drowning is not often obvious, and careful supervision can make the difference in saving someone’s life.”

If you are looking to build your child’s confidence in the water and teach them a lifelong love of swimming, visit www.bigblueswimschool.com.

About Big Blue Swim School

Big Blue Swim School offers an unparalleled swim lesson experience made easier and more effective by professional instructors, proprietary technology and curriculum, and family-friendly facilities. Big Blue creates and celebrates Big Moments in the pool which leads to kids learning they can achieve anything in life. Founded in 2009 by national champion swimmer Chris DeJong, Big Blue now has 44 pools and counting across the U.S. To learn more, visit www.BigBlueSwimSchool.com.

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