According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, Florida loses more children under the age of 5 each year to drowning than any other state. As temperatures rise and more families head to pools and waterways this summer, swimming safety must remain a top priority. Too often, first responders are called to the scene of drownings that could have been prevented. These incidents leave lasting impacts not just on families, but on entire communities. The good news is that simple steps such as supervising young swimmers, installing proper barriers and being ready to respond in an emergency can dramatically reduce the risk of drowning.

Take a moment to read and follow these essential water safety tips and learn about resources available to Floridians to help prevent these tragic, yet preventable, incidents.

Drowning Prevention

WaterSmartFL, a prevention initiative of the Florida Department of Health, suggests that parents and caregivers use three layers of protection to ensure water safety:

1. Supervision
2. Barriers
3. Preparedness

Layer 1: Supervision

Keeping a child safe while swimming requires constant and active supervision in and around open bodies of water.

• Stay active and alert. Don’t simply stay present in the area where your child is swimming.  
• Do not rely on swimming aids. Water wings, pool noodles or inner tubes should not replace adult supervision. 
• Always provide active supervision. Never take your eyes off a child while they are in or near the water. Avoid distractions such as phones or conversations. 
• Stay within arm’s reach. For younger children or inexperienced swimmers, always be close enough to help immediately.

The Importance of a Water Watcher

Always assign a Water Watcher, a designated adult who is fully responsible for watching the children in the water, even if lifeguards are present. Never assume that because there are several adults around the pool area, someone is supervising your child. At every moment, an adult needs to be actively paying attention to little swimmers. This downloadable lanyard is recommended for the designated Water Watcher to wear so that they are reminded of their responsibilities. 

Layer 2: Barriers

To physically prevent children from accessing the pool, barriers such as gates, fences, walls, doors and windows are essential. Children should ONLY be able to enter a pool area or be near a body of water if they are accompanied by an adult. 

It is recommended that a combination of barriers be used to ensure the highest level of safety.

• Make sure your pool has a fence around it that is at least four feet high and prevents children from wandering into the pool area unsupervised. 
• Additional safety devices such as door alarms, childproof locks and pool alarms will set barriers between your child and the pool to prevent accidents and alert you if your child is near the pool unsupervised. 
• Use this fence checklist to see if your fence is an effective barrier. 

In Florida, existing pools must comply with both state and local safety laws. To keep your family safe and avoid fines, ensure your pool meets current requirements. Local ordinances may vary, so check with your city or county to stay fully compliant.

Layer 3: Preparedness

Here are eight water safety tips that stress the importance of preparation in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for children and families around water.

1. Learn CPR. Certification for this life-saving tool is readily available in cities across the state of Florida. CPR is easy to learn and can save your child’s life in case of an emergency. Visit the American Red Cross website to find a certification program near you.
2. Enroll your children in swimming lessons. Teaching them how to swim at an early age with certified instructors can be lifesaving. Infant Self-Rescue survival swimming lessons are available for children as young as 6 months.
3. Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Avoid the use of inflatable floaties; they are not a substitute for life jackets. While life jackets add a layer of protection, they DO NOT replace the need for children to be supervised.
4. Teach kids about water safety. Educate them about pool rules, the buddy system, rip currents and the dangers of deep or fast-moving water.
5. Remove pool toys when not in use. Floating toys can attract children to the water when no one is watching.
6. Take measures to prevent entrapment. Teach kids to avoid pool drains and ensure that drains have proper safety covers.
7. Ensure that rescue equipment is accessible. Items such as a reaching pole, life ring or floatation device should be near the water.
8. Have a phone nearby. Know emergency contacts and confirm there is a phone in arms reach to call 911 if needed.

The Role of Swimming Lessons

Swimming lessons play a crucial role in drowning prevention by equipping children with essential water safety skills and confidence. While no single measure can entirely eliminate the risk, formal swim instruction has been shown to significantly reduce the likelihood of drowning.​ 

The American Academy of Pediatrics reports that swim lessons can lower drowning rates among children, including those aged 1 to 4 years. ​A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that formal swimming instruction was associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of drowning in children aged 1 to 4 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that basic swimming and water safety skills training is an effective drowning prevention strategy.  

Swimming lessons play a crucial role in drowning prevention by equipping children with essential water safety skills and confidence. These lessons enhance water competency by teaching children skills that can be lifesaving in an emergency (i.e., how to float, tread water and perform basic strokes). In addition, structured programs help foster a healthy respect for water by instilling an understanding of potential hazards and the importance of following safety rules. As children become more familiar with aquatic environments through regular instruction, they gain confidence, which can reduce fear and panic, allowing them to respond more effectively if they ever find themselves in danger.

How Florida is Addressing Water Safety

To address Florida’s high rate of child drownings, particularly among children aged 1 to 4, the Swimming Lesson Voucher Program (Senate Bill 544) was signed into law by Governor DeSantis in April 2024. The Swimming Lesson Voucher Program provides free swimming lessons to eligible families with children 4 years old or younger. The program targets families earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level, aiming to reduce drowning incidents by increasing access to swim instruction. ​ 

The Florida Department of Health’s WaterSmartFL program offers swimming lesson vouchers to eligible Floridians to increase water safety and prevent drownings in Florida. 

To apply for a voucher, Floridians are required to provide proof of: 

• Gross family income of no more than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. 
• Residency in the state of Florida. 
• Child’s date of birth (only children ages 4 and younger at the time of application are eligible). 

If your child meets these eligibility requirements, apply for a voucher online and view swim lesson providers in your area. 

Prevention is Key

Drowning remains a leading cause of unintentional injury and death among young people, and these water safety tips can help keep your children safe while swimming. Preventing such tragedies starts with constant supervision, proper preparation and awareness of water access points. Parents should take an active role in ensuring their children’s safety whether they’re swimming at home, at a neighbor’s house or at the beach. Simple preventative steps such as enrolling children in swimming lessons, using life jackets and securing pools with barriers can make a life-saving difference. Florida remains committed to enhancing water safety and protecting its youngest residents from preventable drowning incidents. 

About the Florida Sheriffs Association

Founded in 1893, the Florida Sheriffs Association was established to unite Florida’s sheriffs in advancing public safety, shaping legislation and fostering collaboration among law enforcement agencies. Over the decades, FSA has grown into a powerful advocate for law enforcement, providing training, resources and support to ensure the protection and security of Florida’s communities. 

The Florida Sheriffs Association will help you to stay informed on the latest law enforcement initiatives, public safety updates and the work of Florida’s sheriffs. From in-depth blogs to legislative news and community programs, we keep you connected to the issues that matter. Explore more at flsheriffs.org and stay engaged with Florida’s law enforcement community.