Top water safety tips every parent should know

Water play is one of childhood’s great joys and one of the best ways for children to stay active, build confidence, and have fun. Whether your family is headed to a local pool, the beach, a lakeside cottage, or swim lessons at your neighbourhood YMCA, water safety should always come first.

At the YMCA of Greater Toronto, we’re committed to creating safe spaces for children and families to enjoy the water and to helping parents feel more confident when it comes to swimming and safety skills.

These top water safety tips will help you support your child in and around water at the Y and beyond.

1. Stay present: Phones Down, Eyes Up™

One of the simplest and most effective water safety tips is active supervision.

The YMCA of the USA’s Phones Down, Eyes Up™ campaign reminds caregivers to stay fully present when their child is in or near water. Pools, lakes, and beaches can become unsafe in moments of distraction.

Learn more about the Phones Down, Eyes Up™ campaign.

 2. Know the risks and how to lower them 

According to Lifesaving Society Ontario, drowning is one of the leading causes of preventable death in children under 10. Many incidents happen suddenly in backyard pools, open water, and lakes during family vacations or outings.

Tip: Always swim with your child or ensure they’re within arm’s reach — especially if they’re younger than six or still learning.

3. Sign up for age-appropriate swim lessons

Comfort in the water starts with proper instruction. At YMCA Health and Fitness centres, our certified swim instructors follow a progressive and supportive approach that helps children of all ages build skills and water awareness.

YMCA swim programs by age group:

• Ages 0–5: Parent-and-child or small-group lessons to build comfort in shallow water
• Ages 6–12: Progressive lessons focused on water safety, stroke development, and confidence
• Teens & adults: Stroke development, personal goals, and lifeguard certifications

Swim programs run year-round, and registration opens seasonally at yguide.ca.

We also offer recreational and family swims, where children can practise skills and have fun with you by their side.

4. Send your kids to camps that build water safety skills

At many YMCA Day Camps across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), water time is on the daily agenda. Whether it's beach visits, lake swims, or pool time, all activities are supervised by trained staff and follow strict safety procedures. 

Children learn safe water habits, such as swimming with a buddy, asking for permission, and following instructor cues. For many children, regular water exposure at camp, including trips to beaches and local conservation areas, helps them develop confidence and awareness.

5. Swim at the Y, where safety comes first

Every YMCA pool in the GTA is supervised by certified lifeguards trained in safety and emergency response procedures. Many complete Lifesaving Society certifications, and we provide additional in-service training throughout the year.

We also offer lifeguard training programs for teens, beginning with Bronze Star and progressing to National Lifeguard certification. They’re a great way for youth to develop responsibility and leadership in the water.

At the Y, your child swims in an environment built around safety, support, and skill-building.

6. Be prepared: Learn first aid and CPR

You can be your child’s first line of safety in and around water. Consider taking Standard First Aid with CPR-C at the YMCA so you’re confident and capable of handling any possible emergency. You’ll gain practical skills that help create a safer home, community, and swimming environment for your family.

Why this  matters for families 

In the summer, families are often busy enjoying pool time, lakeside cottage weekends, beach days, and day camp adventures near lakes and rivers. These tips will help you ensure your kids are safe and confident around the water, so you can all relax and make the most of your summer experiences.   

Explore the programs, resources, and expert advice that support your child’s water safety journey to help make every splash a safe one.