Ahhh…summer…Sitting by a pool, reading, sipping an iced tea. For some it’s more like “How will I entertain the kids all day?” “Camp costs what?!” and “I can join that video call from the car - after camp drop-off.” Making summer even more stressful is that undercurrent of worry that our kids stay safe around water.
Read these six tips to get your safe summer started.

1. Think ahead about any vacation days, and book hotels now.

• Confirm the days off from work. Communicate your summer schedule to colleagues and direct reports.
• If vacationing around waterscapes is a priority, start researching hotels (see point #2) and book now. Waterscape properties are always in high demand.
• Camp drop-offs and pick-ups can mess with your schedule. Meet with your manager to discuss any flexibility you'll need over the summer. Join with other parents to help convince management.
• Make arrangements for pets, house plants, yard and pool.

2. Consider water safety when researching hotel properties, rentals, and any water excursions.

• If you're considering any overnight stays at properties that have water features or are near waterscapes, here's a list of water safety questions to consider or ask.
• If you're staying at friends' or family's property that has a pool or access to any open water, ask about water barriers like pool fences or covers, and on-site rescue equipment. If any repairs, installation or purchases are needed, start making arrangements now.
• When planning water excursions, be mindful of your family's water skills. Don't book excursions that are too advanced. Base water activity decisions on ability, not age.

3. Refresh your CPR skills.
One of the five layers of protection for being safe around water is having an emergency action plan - which includes knowing CPR. If it's been a while since you've practiced, take a refresher course. Here's the link to Red Cross classes.​

4. Make sure all caregivers watching children in and around water have the proper skills and certifications.

• Only people who know how to swim should be responsible for watching children in, on and around water. Know the swimming abilities of your caregiver. Be wary that some people overestimate their swimming skills. Ask direct, specific questions about swimming skills and encourage them to be honest.
• Ensure that any caregiver watching your children around water has refreshed CPR/rescue breath skills.

5. Follow these for choosing camps with swim programs.​

• If you want a camp to provide swim lessons, research the swim program to be sure it's a good fit. Call the camp and ask questions (download this guide from the National Drowning Prevention Association). Talk to parents whose kids have attended and ask specific questions about the program.
• If the camp doesn't provide swim lessons, ask if there are any water features on or near their property, and how the children are supervised around the water.
• Getting kids to and from camp can be draining, consider arranging a carpool.
• Get the scoop on camps by asking friends or posting on social media.
• Use local resources like Mommy Poppins/NJ and Macaroni Kid

6. Build swim lessons into your summer plans.
If your child doesn't take year-round swim lessons, summer is the time to progress their skills in sync with age, maturity and physical growth. Basic swimming is a life skill that everyone should have. If you have a resistant kid, push gently forward and call us for tips! Research programs and choose a reputable school that fits your schedule. Download this swim lesson checklist from the National Drowning Prevention Association. Swim programs in our area often have waiting lists, so register now.  You can register for our swim programs here.