Life-saving techniques to keep your child safe around water

Swimming is not only a wonderful way to have FUN and stay healthy but it is also a valuable life saving skill. Teaching your child to swim is the best gift you can give; it is a gift for life.

Teaching babies and children vital life saving swimming skills and safe behaviour routines around water can be a life saver. However no child is 'water safe' or 'drown proof' even with swimming skills. Constant supervision by parents and carers is required, never take your eyes of your child and always be within arms reach.

Learn vital water safety skills to prevent an accident around water and CPR techniques to cope with an emergency should one arise.

To enable children to enjoy all the numerous benefits of swimming keep them safe by providing 3 layers of protection.

1. Prevention
Provide constant supervision & learn water safety skills

2. Learn to swim
Teach your child life saving skills swimming skills

3. Learn CPR
Know what to do if an emergency situation should happen

Knowing what to do can buy valuable seconds and could make the difference between life and death.

Drowning is known as the silent death, it only takes seconds and is totally preventable. In the UK drowning is the third most common cause of accidental death among youngsters under the age of 16. At least 60 children lose their lives ever year leaving families totally devastated.

Around 75 UK citizens drown abroad each year and many of these deaths could be prevented if more people were equipped with basic CPR and water safety skills. Of the deaths recorded there are as many ‘near deaths’ leaving children completely unable to lead a normal life.

» Don't miss the Seriously Fun Swim Babies FREE CPR and Water Safety Seminars.

» Check out guides and information on Water Safety.

Teach baby to float on their back

Most babies under 6 months will be happy to float. With your support and encouragement they will feel comfortable and relaxed in the water environment.

Your baby will feel secure gently floating in your hand which will help to strengthen the bond between you. Floating also helps to develop their ability to swim unaided and is also a valuable survival skill if a baby should accidentally fall into water.

Baby’s first floating experience can be practiced at home in the bath tub and if held lightly they will feel their own buoyancy.


Bath practice
Fill the bath with enough warm water to cover at least half your baby’s body. Have someone to help you get in and out of the bath, a non-slip mat will help you feel more secure and sit away from the hot tap.

Sit in the bath and gently lower baby into the water, rest baby’s back against your chest with baby’s legs in the water. Take a few minutes to relax and enjoy skin to skin contact as you gently trickle water on baby’s tummy.

Support babies head and neck with your hands, stretch out your arms and allow the water to just cover baby’s ears. Sing a relaxing song and maintain eye contact as baby relaxes and enjoys the experience of floating in the water.

Move baby around in the water and gradually reduce the support of your hands, when you feel ready support baby’s head with one hand only.

If your baby does not like the experience of floating cuddle your baby and try again at the next bath time.


Bath Safety
- Never ever leave your most precious possession alone in the bath
- Never for a second and never with an older brother or sister

Are you ready for submersions?

You know it’s going to happen soon after you start your first course of lessons and you have read or heard that a baby has a natural ability to swim underwater.

You have seen many babies swim happily underwater, your baby is prepared and ready for their first submersion and today is the big day.

You feel excited but a little nervous and apprehensive.  However, you tell yourself that baby is ready, that you are ready and know what to do and you have full confidence in your instructor - no problem.

Then the big moment for you both arrives, with confidence you look into your baby’s eyes with the biggest smile ever. Adrenaline kicks in and then you do it! You can’t believe your prize possession is actually under the water and your heart swells with pride at your little one’s achievement.


Submersion tips for parents

1. Only do submersions when your baby is comfortable with water poured on their face and you are confident to carry out a submersion, never be intimidated into doing submersions.

2. Try to stay relaxed, calm and confident as your baby will feel any anxiety you may have.
Get your baby’s attention and ‘cue’ your baby in a smooth, continuous and consistent manner. Once you initiate the submersion, continue with the movement and do not stop in the middle.

3. Give lots of hugs, smiles and praises.

4. In the early stages limit submersions to brief dips building up to a maximum of 6 submersions spaced out over a 30 minute session.

5. Never submerge a crying baby, if your baby is upset, discontinue submersions for that day.

6. Occasionally, your baby may cough from a small amount of water. Stay calm, distract your baby with a toy and in a few moments, they will stop coughing. Overreacting creates an unnecessary fear in your baby.

7. Be patient, provide lots of encouragement, have FUN and cherish every wonderful swimming moment with your baby.

Please Note: Do not allow your baby to swallow excessive amounts of water as this could pose a serious hazard to your baby’ health.