How Families Can Be SAFER Around the Water!

It's incredibly important for families to practice safety when in or around the water. To support this, Big Blue has made it easy to remember how to practice water safety by following our S.A.F.E.R. tips!

• Swim with a buddy and designate a Water Watcher: Identify an adult in your group who keeps a close eye on swimmers and rotate that person every 30 minutes to avoid supervision fatigue. You can click this link to download a printable Water Watcher Card that adults can wear to identify themselves as the Water Watcher!
• Acquire CPR and first aid training: Parents and caregivers are encouraged to take CPR and first aid training with a reputable group such as the American Red Cross, enabling them to respond quickly and confidently in case of injury.
• Find and reduce water hazards: Install fencing, locks and alarms around water if you have a pool at home, don’t leave toys or items of interest near the water and ensure proper-fitting life jackets are available for any water activities.
• Enroll in swim lessons to improve your skills: 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. Ready to enroll? Find your nearest Big Blue location here!
• Respond fast and call 911 for emergencies: A drowning incident isn’t always obvious, making closer supervision essential for any water activity. Ensure the Water Watcher can respond quickly and dial 911 in case of emergency.

We hope that these tips help your family to be SAFER whenever in or around the water. If you're interested in additional resources when it comes to water safety, you can visit our Water Safety Advocacy page. Here's to having fun and practicing safety around the water!