Spending time near the water in summer is a necessity in Maine. Whether your kids are in summer child care programs or with you the whole time, there will be several trips to the beach. Many families also spend time on boats, at the lake, or in the pool. As fun as water-related activities are, it’s essential always to put safety first, especially with young children. Most accidents around water are preventable, so by staying alert and enforcing the rules, you and your family can have a safe and fun summer.
Stay safe this summer when you’re on the water. Follow these water safety tips for parents and child care providers.
Supervision Is Key
No matter how familiar your children are with the water, never leave them unattended, even for a moment. Always maintain active supervision—keeping eyes on your children at all times with no distractions—when they are in or near the water. If there are multiple adults present, you can designate a “Water Watcher” who is responsible for supervision during swim times.
Teach Water Safety Early
It’s never too early to teach kids water safety. Enroll them in age-appropriate swim lessons so they can become strong swimmers and learn to be cautious around water.
Use Proper Safety Gear
Children should always wear life jackets when boating or swimming in natural bodies of water, even if they can swim. Most children will panic if they fall into the water, so a Coast Guard-approved life preserver will keep them afloat until an adult can get to them.
Learn CPR
Learning CPR might seem like something only paranoid parents do, but in an emergency, every second counts. Parents and caregivers should be trained in CPR and basic first aid. Knowing how to respond quickly can save a life before emergency services arrive.
Set Rules and Stick to Them
Establish clear water safety rules: no running near pools, no diving in shallow water, and always ask permission before getting in. If a child violates any of these rules, you must immediately enforce the consequences. Consistent reinforcement helps children understand the importance of caution.
Enjoy Summer and Stay Safe | Child Care in Bangor, Maine
Summer is the season to have fun, but even a minor accident will bring that to an end. Being on or around the water is an essential part of summer in Maine, so water safety is critical. By following these tips, parents and child care providers can ensure adults and children alike have fun by the water this summer.
