Lake Swimming Guidance for Safe, Fun Recreation

Pools aren’t the only place to have aquatic fun! When weather allows, many families make plans at natural water reservoirs. Lakes have an alluring appeal with natural beauty and exciting novelty. Lakes can also be unpredictable, with unique hazards and drowning risks.

To stay safe, lake swimming requires more than regular pool rules. A foundation of swimming skills—plus lake-specific knowledge and safety practices—keeps your whole family protected.

Learn how to have safe lake fun in this guide. It covers lake risks, best precautions, and other outdoor safety tips.

Be Prepared: Lakes Post Unique Water Risks

Lakes contain natural forces that aren’t present in regulated pools. Currents, drop-offs, and underwater hazards pose risks that require knowledgeable, thoughtful interaction from lake swimmers—even in familiar or shallow waters. Swimming in a lake also leaves people more prone to cold water shock and fatigue.

Lakes pose unique risks among natural bodies of water. The U.S. Coast Guard reports more boating accidents in lakes every year than even in rivers or oceans.

With more motorized boats and less visibility, swimmers can quickly fall away from their groups and become lost. Because lifeguards are less common on lakes, you must rely on your own skills and companions to keep a lookout for everyone’s safety.

Life Jackets and Swim Skills Are the Best Precautions

Every swimmer on a lake should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Even strong swimmers can tire quickly in open water. Plus, brightly colored life jackets keep children more visible to the adults around them.

Life jackets should be worn correctly for optimal safety. Fasten completely, leaving them snug but comfortable against the chest.

After proper gear, swim skills are the next best precaution. Good swim skills change open water from dangerous lakes to fun aquatic experiences. Regular swim lessons from a young age give older children essential water survival skills and comfort. Fear can be detrimental in open water situations, and children gain confidence and muscle memory through years of swimming support.

8 Lake-Specific Safety Tips for Older Kids and Teens

Young children require close supervision while swimming. As older children gain more experience and independence, they’re still at risk for injury in water. Adolescents “have the second highest fatal drowning rate of any age group”—and they’re most likely to face injury in natural water like a lake.

Proper care in the water can prevent many injuries. Keep your teens safe by educating and supporting them with these safety tips.

1. Enter the Water Cautiously

Unlike a swimming pool, where you can safely dive at proper depths, a lake always has unpredictable diving conditions with potential rocks and sudden drop-offs. Never dive into a lake headfirst. Wade in gently at first to assess your footing and the water depth.

2. Understand Lake Conditions

Before heading to the lake, look at the weather forecast to understand likely sun, precipitation, and wind conditions. Once at the lake, take stock of what is actually happening with the currents and wind. Avoid especially choppy waters and stay vigilant with winds.

3. Keep Near Shore

The shore is your home base for safety while at the lake. Ensure you have easy access for your return. Don’t venture too far, especially if unsupervised or in a remote area. When going into deeper waters, always follow the buddy system. No one should swim out alone.

4. Recognize Fatigue and Cold Water Risks

Fatigue and hypothermia can set in faster than expected in natural water. Teach your swimmers to recognize the signs of impairment. Confusion, shivering, and slowed breathing are all signs that it’s time to come back to shore and warm up. Any numbness or exhaustion can be dangerous—it’s best to leave the water and come back another time.

5. Set Boundaries with Older Kids

You may offer your older children or teens some independence in the water if they have the proper swim skills and life jackets. They’re safest if you know where they are, even if you aren’t with them, so define where they are allowed to swim and explore. Set up a check-in system or adult “water watcher” so you periodically touch base.

6. Go Over Emergency Plans

It can be difficult to problem-solve during an emergency. Preparing with knowledge ahead of time improves outcomes and lowers stress. Teach your swimmers how to recognize who needs help—and how to safely assist without putting themselves in danger.

7. Stay Hydrated and Protected

Proper hydration and sun protection decrease the risks of lake swimming. Be sure that everyone has access to water and takes breaks to rehydrate. Properly apply and reapply sunscreen to protect against sunburn and heat exhaustion. Avoid swimming right after eating a large meal to prevent digestion-related fatigue or distress.

8. Maintain Safety on Watercraft and Docks

Water safety is just as important on boats and docks as it is for those actually in the water. Always wear life jackets when on watercraft, including jet skis and paddle boards. Teach kids how to re-board a boat or dock so they’re less likely to slip or fall in transition. Set rules about proper dock behavior: No horseplay or pushing.

Parents Can Prepare Year-Round for Lake Safety

Don’t wait until your lake vacation to start safety preparations. Parents can give their children tools for safe water fun at any time. As part of your year-round prep:

• Take a first aid class as a family to learn CPR
• Practice lake scenarios in controlled environments.
• Pack an emergency bag with a whistle, first aid kit, and throw rope
• Offer opportunities to demonstrate water skills and responsibility
  

Most importantly, swim lessons for children of all ages give them skills and confidence in the water, and can also reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%. Big Blue Swim School offers a variety of courses, from our Baby Blue classes for infants to Big Blue classes for older children and everything else in between.

Discover the best swim lesson option for your child with Big Blue. Register for lessons or book a free trial today!