At JEM, our mission goes far beyond teaching swim strokes. We’re passionate about building confidence, awareness, and life-saving skills that children can carry with them for a lifetime. Whether your child is at the pool, the beach, the lake, or even the bathtub—water safety starts with education and preparedness.

This months as part of Water Safety Month, we’re encouraging families to recommit to water safety. Below are five essential tips that every parent and child should remember not just in summer, but year-round.

1. Enroll in Swim Lessons

Formal swimming instruction significantly reduces the risk of drowning in young children. Swim lessons help build essential skills, boost confidence, and teach children how to be safer and more capable in and around water.

2. Always Designate a Water Watcher

When children are swimming, a responsible adult should be assigned as a “Water Watcher”—someone who is fully focused on supervising, without distractions like phones or books. Drowning is often quick and silent, so constant, undivided attention is essential.

3. Teach Kids About Pool Rules

It’s crucial that children understand and follow basic safety rules around water:

• No running on slippery pool decks
• No diving in shallow areas
• Always ask for permission before getting in the water

These simple guidelines help prevent accidents and promote responsible behavior near water.

4. Use Coast Guard-Approved Life Jackets

Especially around open water or for less experienced swimmers, a properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jacket is a vital safety tool. Here’s what to look for:

• It should fit snugly but be comfortable
• All buckles and straps must be fastened securely—no loose or hanging pieces
• The life jacket should not ride up over the child’s chin or ears
• If it rides up when the child is in the water, it may need tightening or a different size

Learning how to fit a life jacket correctly is something every parent and child should know—not just lifeguards!

5. Learn CPR and First Aid

In an emergency, knowing how to respond quickly and effectively can make all the difference. We encourage parents, caregivers, and even older siblings to enroll in local CPR and first aid courses. These are skills that anyone—of any age or background—can benefit from.

Water can be fun, healing, and empowering—but it also demands our respect. Let’s make water safety a family priority today and every day.

Thank you for reading and for supporting the #OneMission of #ZeroDrownings. Together, we’re creating safer swimmers, stronger families, and more confident kids!