Dear Families,
As the temperatures rise and summer adventures begin, water play becomes a favorite way for children to cool off and have fun. Whether it’s at the pool, beach, sprinkler, or a backyard kiddie pool, water activities offer great opportunities for play, exploration, and learning. At Robbins Children’s Programs, we love to see children enjoying the summer — but we also know how important it is to stay safe around water.
Here are some essential tips to help keep your child safe while enjoying all the water fun this season:
🧒 Always Watch Your Child Near Water
Supervision is the number one way to prevent water-related accidents. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly — even in shallow water. Always keep your eyes on your child and stay within arm’s reach when they’re near any kind of water, including bathtubs, wading pools, and buckets.
🛟 Use Life Jackets, Not Floaties
If you’re near a lake, river, or ocean, or even at a public pool, make sure your child wears a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Inflatable toys and water wings can give a false sense of security but don’t offer real protection.
🚪 Secure Home Water Sources
If you have a pool at home, it should be fenced on all sides with a self-latching gate. Always empty kiddie pools when not in use and store them upside down. Even small amounts of standing water can pose a risk to young children.
🏊♀️ Enroll in Water Safety Lessons
Many local programs offer water safety and swim lessons for young children. While lessons don’t replace supervision, they do help kids learn important skills like floating, treading water, and understanding water boundaries.
🧽 Teach Simple Water Rules
Help your child develop safe habits around water:
Always walk (never run) near the pool.
Ask an adult before getting in the water.
Never go near water alone.
☀️ Stay Cool and Covered
Don’t forget that sun safety is part of water safety too. Apply sunscreen often, provide shade when possible, and offer lots of water to drink. A sunburned or overheated child can quickly become tired or uncomfortable in the water.
By taking a few extra precautions and staying present during water play, we can all enjoy a fun, refreshing, and safe summer. Thank you for partnering with us to keep your children safe — both in and out of the classroom!
Wishing you a joyful and splash-filled season,
The RCP Team
💦🧒🌈