Water Safety: Splash Smart and Stay Safe

WHY WATER SAFETY MATTERS

Water can be fun for swimming, playing and exploring. But water can also become unsafe quickly, even when it looks calm.

That is why children need extra care and supervision around water. A responsible adult can help children follow safety rules and make safer choices.

Remember: If you are unsure, stay away and ask an adult.

STAY WITH A RESPONSIBLE ADULT

When you are around water:

• Stay with a responsible adult.
• The adult should actively supervise you, not simply be somewhere nearby.
• Listen to the safety rules the adult gives you.
• Follow the rules of the place you are visiting.

Different places have different risks, so always listen to the responsible adult and follow local instructions.

CHOOSE SAFE WATER AREAS

Choose places that are designed or approved for swimming or water activities, where appropriate.

For example:

• Properly supervised swimming pools
• Designated swimming areas
• Suitable beaches with appropriate supervision

Be extra careful around unfamiliar natural water. Rivers, ponds, lakes, canals, wells and backwaters may have hidden or changing hazards.

Never enter natural water just to investigate it. If you do not know whether a place is safe, stay away and ask a responsible adult.

WALK — DON’T RUN

Water areas can be slippery.

Near a pool or other water area:

• Walk carefully.
• Do not run.
• Do not push or play roughly.
• Keep away from pool edges when you are not taking part in an activity.
• Follow posted pool rules.

Walking carefully helps you stay in control near water.

NEVER ENTER WATER ALONE

Never enter a pool or natural water without appropriate responsible-adult supervision.

Do not enter:

• Unfamiliar water
• Unsupervised water
• Floodwater
• Drainage channels
• Moving or unknown water

If you are not sure whether it is safe, stay away and ask a responsible adult.

WHAT IF A TOY FALLS INTO THE WATER?

Imagine your favourite toy falls into deep water.

Do not:

• Lean deeply over the water.
• Enter the water to get it.
• Ask another child to get it.

Instead:

Stay back and tell a responsible adult.

The toy can wait. Your safety comes first.

WHAT IF SOMEONE ELSE IS IN TROUBLE IN THE WATER?

If you see someone having trouble in the water:

• Do not jump into the water to rescue them.
• Do not reach dangerously into deep water.
• Move to a safe place.
• Call for a responsible adult immediately.
• Follow instructions from responsible adults or trained rescuers.

You do not need to become the rescuer. Getting safe help is the right choice.

USE SAFETY EQUIPMENT PROPERLY

Some water activities may require appropriate safety equipment.

This may include:

• A properly fitted life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD), where required or appropriate.
• Approved flotation or safety equipment suited to the activity.

A life jacket or PFD is not a reason to ignore other safety rules. Always follow the instructions of the responsible adult and the rules for the activity.

Remember: Ordinary inflatable toys, pool floats and swimming aids are not the same as rescue equipment.

POOL, BEACH AND NATURAL WATER

POOL

Follow pool rules and stay supervised by a responsible adult.

BEACH

Stay in designated or supervised areas. Follow local warnings, signs and instructions.

RIVER / LAKE / BACKWATER

Do not enter unfamiliar or unsupervised water.

FLOODWATER

Stay away.

Floodwater may be moving and can hide hazards that you cannot see.

WHEN YOU ARE ON A BOAT

When you are on a boat:

• Stay with the responsible adult.
• Follow boat-safety instructions.
• Wear an appropriate life jacket/PFD when required or instructed.
• Stay seated or in the designated safe area.
• Do not lean over the side.
• Do not play near the edge.

Always follow the safety rules for the particular boat and activity.

REMEMBER

STOP

Stay away from unsafe or unfamiliar water.

STAY WITH A RESPONSIBLE ADULT

Listen, stay supervised and ask for help when you need it.

FOLLOW WATER-SAFETY RULES

Follow local signs, instructions and rules.

NOTICE THE DANGER → STAY SAFE → TELL A RESPONSIBLE ADULT

ASK YOURSELF

1. Why is staying with a responsible adult important when you are around water?
2. Your toy falls into deep water. What makes staying back and telling an adult a safer choice?
3. Why might a river, lake or backwater that looks calm still be a place you should not enter?
4. If you see someone having trouble in the water, what should you do instead of trying to rescue them yourself?

PARENT / TEACHER TIP

Before visiting a pool, beach, river, backwater or other water area, talk about water safety together. Identify who the supervising adult is and discuss the local safety rules before children enter the area.