/ North Brunswick, NJ

Local Water Safety Guide for Parents in North Brunswick, NJ

North Brunswick has fun pools and plenty of lakes to enjoy a refreshing dip. However, remaining safe in and around water requires both adults and kids to have adequate water safety knowledge and skills.

Whether you want to visit the beautiful Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve or bring your kids to a birthday party at the Crystal Springs Family Waterpark, Big Blue Swim School can teach your children how to stay water safe.

Public Pools, Water Parks, & Splash Pads: Busy and High-Energy Settings

  • Popular Locations: Families with kids love to visit the spacious Milltown Boro Pool and Crystal Springs Family Waterpark for family gatherings, birthdays, and vacations. If you want to make swimming a regular part of your routine, Willows Swim Club, Brookside Swim Club, and Rivercrest Cabana Club offer memberships.
  • Stay Vigilant Around Splash Pads: Splash pads are great choices for children who don’t know how to swim yet, but they can be slippery. Their water jets can also startle young children.
  • Be Careful Around Crowds: Water parks and public pools can get crowded during the hot weather, so consider visiting during off-peak hours and keep your children close so they don’t slip or wander into the deep end of the pool.
  • Always Supervise Your Children: Lifeguards are trained to be attentive to activity in and around the pool, but it’s still your responsibility to keep an eye on your children at all times, especially in high-activity areas like water slides and splash pad zones.
  • Watch Fast-Moving Attractions: Pools and parks often have wave pools, lazy rivers, and slides. In these areas in particular, it’s important to remain within arm’s length so that you can react quickly when needed.
  • Be Aware of Chlorine Sensitivity: Keep an eye out for rashes, difficulty breathing, itching, scaling, crusting, or wheezing.
  • Choose Clean Facilities: Pools and water attractions should be clean and well-maintained and facilities should follow proper water safety practices, such as testing the water, balancing pH levels, and maintaining pool circulation.

Backyard & Apartment Complex Pools: Less Oversight

  • No Lifeguards on Duty: Unlike public pools and water parks, backyard and apartment complex pools don’t have designated lifeguards, so always have a responsible adult nearby.
  • Unguarded Fencing & Gates: Children can wander out of a safe area, so one of the most overlooked water safety tips for kids is double-checking that the gates are self-latching and closed.
  • Cold Water: The weather might be warm, but that doesn’t always mean the water is. Suddenly jumping into cold water can affect a person’s blood pressure and breathing, so ease children into shaded or unheated pools slowly.
  • Slippery Decks: Decks get slippery easily, even if they appear dry, so use non-slip shoes, walk instead of running, and keep the deck as dry as possible.
  • Chlorine Sensitivity: The chlorine levels in home or neighborhood pools aren’t always monitored as closely as they are at city pools or water parks. Watch for signs of chlorine sensitivity, such as rashes, inflammation, breathing problems, or painfully dry skin.

Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve, Spring Lake Park, Colonial Park, and Kennedy Park: Water Safety Tips

  • Always Wear Life Jackets: Always equip children and weaker swimmers with life jackets in case of a leg cramp, shock, or accidents–No exceptions.
  • Stay In Designated Areas: Pay attention to posted signs and never go outside of designated swim zones, even if the area appears safe.
  • Don’t Dive Into Lakes: Since lake water can be murky, you’ll want to guide children gently into the water to avoid the risk of colliding into rocks, logs, or unexpected shallow spots.
  • Ease Children Into Cold Water: Lakes can be cold, so reduce the risk of shock and hypothermia by easing children into the water and giving them ample time to adjust.
  • Provide Adult Supervision: Unattended children can wander into dark or deep areas, so make sure an adult is actively supervising.
  • Check the Weather: Outdoor swimming areas can become windy and cold, so check the weather before heading out and stay close to shore so that you can react quickly to sudden weather shifts.
  • Review Harmful Bacteria and Algae Concerns: Lakes can harbor bacteria and algae that can make children sick, so watch out for symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, or fever.
  • Stay Clear of Boat & Jet Ski Zones: Water safety includes any water-based equipment, so swim only in designated areas and keep away from watercraft.

Oakeys Brook, Lawrence Brook, and Ireland Brook: Rivers & Fast-Moving Water

  • Avoid Strong Currents: Because currents can be deceptively fast, you should avoid swimming in rivers after rain or during high runoff.
  • Always Assume Hidden Hazards: Rocks, logs, and debris can often hide beneath the water’s surface, so when it comes to water safety, it’s better to play it safe than sorry.
  • Be Wary of Flash Floods: Even a distant storm can quickly raise water levels, so stay alert and leave the area if you suspect water levels might rise.
  • Never Jump Into Cold Water: Rivers can be frigid, so wade in cautiously and slowly to avoid shock or hypothermia.
  • Look for Safety Signs: Just like lakes, rivers will have designated areas for swimming, so look for signs, avoid rougher areas, and keep children from wandering outside of the zone.
  • Be Mindful of Bacteria and Algae: Discourage children from drinking the water and keep an eye out for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.

Key Safety Tips, No Matter the Swim Spot

  • Constant Adult Supervision: Always have an adult water watcher on duty to maintain child safety near water or in water.
  • Use Proper Swim Gear: Goggles, water shoes, swim diapers, and life jackets are some of the safest water safety tools.
  • Sunscreen: Use a zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
  • Rinse Off After Swimming: Chlorine, bacteria, or algae can irritate skin and dry out hair, so wash off at a nearby shower or with a water bottle.
  • Ensure Hydration and Take Breaks: You can still overheat even submerged in water, so always keep a water bottle on hand and take frequent breaks.
  • Dry Ears Thoroughly: Moisture trapped in the ears can lead to painful infections (such as swimmer’s ear).
  • Afternoon Thunderstorms: Get out of the water at the first sign of lightning.
  • Pro Tip: Consistent swimming lessons reduce risk and boost water safety retention.

Why Early Swim Lessons Matter

At Big Blue Swim School in North Brunswick, we build confident swimmers skilled in water safety starting at 3 months old. Our lessons help raise awareness of common hazards, prevent accidents, and reinforce safety skills year round.

We provide indoor, climate-controlled pools as a safe learning environment for children.

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Baby Blue (3 months - 2 years):

  • Crawling along the wall
  • Building comfort in the water
  • Basic breath control

Bright Blue (3 - 5 years):

  • Building in-water confidence
  • Rhythmic breathing
  • Basics of strokes

Bold Blue (6 years & up)

  • Refining breath exchange
  • Propelling solo through water
  • Primary swim strokes

Big Blue (6 years & up)

  • Building on techniques
  • Refining strokes
  • 1,000 ft. unassisted swimming

Adaptive Swim Lessons for all-ability children

Let’s Jump In—Safe, Fun Swimming Starts Here

Water safety is a skill anyone can learn and practice with a little help. We love helping children become confident and passionate swimmers with fun lessons and an encouraging environment.
When you’re ready to help your child learn how to swim, call or text Big Blue Swim School for a free trial!