1. Make sure to keep an undistracted eye on kids whenever they are around the water. When younger kids are swimming, keep them at an arm’s length away. If the kids are older, make sure they always have a swimming partner.
  2. Teach your kids to swim. Get them enrolled in lessons. When deciding when to start them in lessons, obviously the earlier the better, but things to consider are their age, their development, and how often they are exposed or around water. 
  3. Make sure kids learn these five water survival skills and that they are able to :
  1. Step or jump into water over their heads and return to the surface.
  2. Float or tread water for one minute.
  3. Turn around in a full circle and find an exit.
  4. Swim 25 yards to exit the water.
  5. Exit the water. If in a pool, be able to exit without the use of a ladder.

      4) Teach kids that swimming in a pool is different than swimming in open water. Uneven          surfaces, currents, and changing weather are all factors they should be aware of.