Nothing ensures your child's safety more than a watchful eye. When it's swimming time, it's swimming time—don't enertain any distractions, even your cell phone. And if you're around a group of parents while children are swimming, take turns being in charge of supervision in order to reduce the chance of distraction.
The Arm's Length Rule
If infants or toddlers are swimming, or even just around the water, always remain within an arm's length of them. No exceptions.
Open water vs. swimming pool
Make sure your child understands that swimming in open water is a lot different than a pool. Teach them how to swim in waters with currents/undertow and uneven surfaces.
Swimming aids are not enough
When in open water, water wings and noodles may help your child to learn to swim, but they are not proper substitutes for a personal flotation device (life jacket, life preserver, etc). Always err on the side of safety.
Learn CPR
You ever know when CPR could save the day. Hospitals, fire departments, and recreation departments likely offer CPR training in your area, and if your children are old enough, have them learn as well!
