Essential Water Safety Tips for Holiday Travel with Kids
Essential Water Safety Tips for Holiday Travel with Kids
As the holiday season approaches, many families are gearing up for trips to warmer destinations or planning staycations at hotels with pools and hot tubs. While these trips can be full of fun and adventure, it’s crucial to prioritize water safety, especially when traveling with children.
At Katie’s Kickers, we are dedicated to helping families in our community of Norfolk, Virginia, to keep their kids safe in and around water, no matter the season. Here are some essential water safety tips to ensure a worry-free holiday:
1. Supervise Kids Near Any Body of Water
Whether it’s a hotel pool, a resort hot tub, or a beach, direct supervision is the number one rule for water safety. Keep a watchful eye on children at all times, and avoid distractions like phones or books while they’re in or near the water. Assign a “water watcher” when in a group, and switch every 15 minutes to ensure everyone stays vigilant.
2. Pack Water Safety Gear
Consider bringing portable water safety tools like pool alarms, swim vests, or even a whistle to alert others in case of an emergency. These tools provide extra peace of mind in environments where you may not have full control over safety features. Make sure your child’s flotation devices are properly fitted and designed for swimming, not just lounging.
3. Teach Kids to Adapt to New Pool Rules
When swimming in an unfamiliar pool or beach, explain the rules to your children. Some pools may not have lifeguards, while beaches may have currents or rip tides. Remind kids to always look for posted signs and never swim alone. Make a game out of spotting safety signs to help kids stay engaged.
4. Choose Family-Friendly Destinations
When selecting hotels or resorts, look for ones with clear safety measures in place, such as lifeguards, gated pool areas, and shallow kiddie pools. Call ahead to ask about safety features, such as whether lifeguards are on duty and whether pool depths are clearly marked.
5. Keep Swim Skills Fresh During the Holidays
Vacations are the perfect time for kids to practice the swim skills they’ve been learning. Whether it’s floating, treading water, or practicing strokes, encourage your child to apply what they’ve learned in a fun, low-pressure environment.
6. Prepare for Emergencies
Even with all precautions in place, accidents can happen. Make sure you know the basics of CPR and first aid before traveling. Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency equipment, such as life rings and first aid kits, at your destination. Sign up for a local CPR course before you travel—it’s a valuable skill that every parent should have.
If your child isn’t already enrolled in swimming lessons, winter is a great time to get started. At Katie’s Kickers in Norfolk, Virginia, we offer safe, engaging swimming lessons to help children build confidence and skills year-round.
Whether your child is just starting out or looking to refine their swimming technique, our experienced instructors are here to help. Winter is a great time to prepare your child for a safe and confident summer in the water! Give us a call at 757-942-5893 so you can start your holiday season with peace of mind!
