Traveling this Spring Break?
CAST empowers families to create their own water safety strategies.
Visit castwatersafety.org to find a library of resources to support your family at the pool, beach, boat or pier.
Before you go:
- Create your water safety strategy and include the whole family in discussions.
- Invest in barriers & alarms to put between your child and the water.
- Talk to children about expectations.
- Sign up for pre-trip swim lessons.
- Choose bright (visible) swimsuits for the kids.
- Find and pack a swim suit for you.
- Learn the address of your house/hotel by heart!
On the trip (at swim time):
- Remember, most toddler drownings (70%) happen during non-swim time.
- Enforce your water safety plan – children should practice asking permission to enter the water. (Realize also that kids do break “rules”.)
- Designate a “water watcher.”
- Get into the water with your children, especially non-swimmers and new “swimmers”.
- Have kids practice their skills and/or engage in the water. Let go a little and get those faces wet, while staying within arm’s reach.
- Take the photo, but post it later.
On the trip (when it’s NOT swim time):
- If a child is missing, check the water first!
- Children should be expected to continue respecting the water safety rules and entry guidelines. Continue to realize that they do break rules!
- Put up barriers (locks, alarms, fences).
- Clean up all toys from in and around the pool. A water guardian should continue supervising while someone else picks up.
Understanding floatation:
- Do you understand when and why to use US Coast Guard approved life jackets?
- Do you understand when NOT to use life jackets and floaties?
- Are floaties being used for playtime at the pool? What does this communicate to your child about water and their ability to navigate it?
- Visit castwatersafety.org or contact us for an explanation. A better understanding could save a life!
Traditional Safety Tips:
- CPR is absolutely important. If you have time to take a class before your trip, this is encouraged. If not, 911 dispatchers will walk you through administering care while first responders are on the way.
- Supervision is very important, but remember, most toddler drownings happen at non-swim times.
Written by instructors who are also moms and educators, this swim time guide is a great resource for families of skilled and non-skilled swimmers alike.
A share can save a life!
Please join us on Instagram @castinghope_ to support our collaborative nationwide spring water safety education effort. Like, share and save our spring safety posts and invite your friends to join in. You can find all the spring tips highlighted on our main grid under ’26SafetyCollab highlight.
Share more tips to save lives!
Thank you to Chris Everett for welcoming CAST’s Founder, Liz Huber, to her “Beyond the Numbers” podcast. Click HERE to listen!
Sponsor a Child’s Self-Rescue Lessons
Thanks to the generous support of the Lavin Family Foundation, 100% of donations to CAST directly support swim lesson scholarships, water safety education and research initiatives.