Beach and Boating Safety

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Beach & Boating Safety

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Summer is a great time to spend time with family and friends at the beach or at the lake. Keep these safety tips in mind when spending time with family and friends in or near water this summer.


	Always watch children when they are in or near water.
	When you are watching children, don’t be distracted by phone calls, text messages, reading or talking to others.
	Watch children even if they know how to swim.
	Children and adults should wear U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets – especially those who can’t swim well or can’t swim at all. Wear life jackets when boating and participating in water sports.
	Keep an eye on the weather, waves and currents.
	Keep a phone near you – use it only to call for help if there is an emergency.
	If a child is missing, check the water first.

	Learn how to swim – both children and adults should know how to swim.
	Learn How to Choose the Right Life Jacket.
	The life jacket should be appropriate for the child’s size and weight.
	The child’s chin or ears should not slip through the neck opening in the life jacket.
	The life jacket should be properly fastened.
	The life jacket should keep the child’s head above water.
	Learn how to swim out of a rip current.
	Learn how to use rescue equipment.
	Learn adult and infant CPR.
	Teach children never to swim alone and only to swim in designated swimming areas.
	Teach children how to swim/float with a life jacket.
	Teach children that swimming in open water is not the same as swimming in a pool. Teach them about uneven surfaces, river currents, ocean undertow and changing weather.

According to the U.S. Coast Guard
	One-half of all recreational boating fatalities happen in calm water.
	Almost three-fourths of all fatal boating accident victims drowned – 84% were not wearing a life jacket.
	In 2009, 18 children under the age of 13 years lost their lives while boating – 50% of these children died from drowning

	How to Choose the Right Life Jacket
	Kids Don't Float Coloring Book
	Boating Safety Brochure
	Open Water Safety Tips
	Water Watcher Card

Where do I learn CPR?

Contact your local health department, hospital or visit the American Red Cross Web site to locate a local Chapter that offers courses year-round.

Where do I learn to swim?

To find swimming lessons, contact your local parks and recreation department, an aquatics center or visit the YMCA Web site to find a YMCA near you.

How do I stay safe boating?

If you and your family boat frequently, consider taking a boating safety class through the U.S. Coast Guard.

Water Safety for Kids With Special Needs

Water safety is important for any family, but this is especially true for families of children with special needs.

Additional Resources

Parents and Caregivers: make sure to also visit our drowning prevention and water safety resources center.

Teachers and Health Educators: make sure to check out our "Start Safe: Water" educational materials for pre-schoolers.