Simple gestures that save: child water safety for the whole family

Every summer, family swims are synonymous with laughter, games, and moments of sharing. But behind these moments of happiness sometimes hides a risk that we underestimate: that of aquatic accidents. Each year, more than 1,000 drownings are recorded in France, involving both children and adults (see our article on the 2025 drowning report). The aquatic safety of children is a real public health issue, as regularly reminded by Santé Publique France and the WHO, who emphasize the importance of prevention to protect the health of the youngest. At Plouf, we believe that good aquatic safety, especially for children, is based above all on prevention, vigilance, and simple lifesaving actions. 🧏🏽

 

Understanding the stakes of aquatic safety

Prevention against drowning does not start at the poolside but much earlier. It is a real culture of safety to be passed on to the whole family. The dangers associated with swimming in the sea or pool are numerous, and it is essential to remain vigilant around all water points. Prevention must be adapted to the child's age, particularly for the youngest, to limit risks. It is also crucial to choose a supervised, clean, and suitable swimming location to ensure children's safety. Whether at the pool, the sea, or any other water point, the risks are real, even in shallow water.
The French Swimming Federation and the Ministry of Sports remind every year the importance of parental supervision and adherence to safety rules. These simple yet essential messages can truly save lives.

 

Safety rules at the pool for children

Pool safety starts with constant supervision. No device, however efficient, replaces the vigilance of an adult. A child can drown in less than 20 seconds, and often in complete silence.

Here are some swimming rules to never neglect:

✅ Never take your eyes off a child when they are in the water, even if they are wearing a Floating swimsuit and even if the water is shallow
✅ Always designate a responsible adult per child for swimming supervision (especially during meals or gatherings)
✅ Teach the child to ask for permission before entering the water
✅ Always check the depth of the water before each jump or dive
✅ Equip family pools with an approved safety system: barrier, alarm, or cover

 

 

It is essential to respect each safety rule to prevent accidents around a pool.
Its installation must also be done in a suitable location, taking into account the available space in the garden to ensure a secure and practical setup.

These pool safety rules for children are simple, but they constitute the first line of defense against accidents.

 

Safety at the sea with children: anticipate and reassure

The sea, with its waves and currents, represents a very different environment from the pool and therefore requires increased vigilance when swimming with children, especially toddlers and babies. The landmarks are often more blurred for children who can sometimes be quickly destabilized.

⚠️ Also remember to protect the delicate skin of your baby with a high-protection sunscreen and to have them wear sunglasses to shield their eyes from UV rays, especially during prolonged exposure at the beach or pool.

Here are some drowning prevention tips to apply at the seaside:

✅ Always favor supervised swimming areas
✅ Explain to children the meaning of the colored flags
✅ Equip them with an Floating swimsuit suitable for their weight (see our article on choosing the size of the swimwear based on your child's weight)
✅ Teach them to lie on their back to float calmly in case of fatigue or panic

 

 

These simple actions not only ensure safety at the sea with children but also help them develop real confidence in the water (see our article on the top 5 activities to help your child gain confidence in the water). Thanks to these precautions, the whole family can enjoy swimming in complete relaxation.

 

The right reflexes to avoid drowning

First of all, it is highly recommended to enroll children in swimming lessons so they can acquire basic techniques and aquatic survival reflexes in a reassuring environment.
Knowing how to avoid accidents at the pool relies on preventing pool accidents but also on training in first aid actions.

The essential reflexes to adopt:

✅ Learn to recognize signs of distress: a child who is silently struggling or seems "immobile" in the water may be in danger
✅ Always keep a phone and a pole handy to intervene as quickly as possible
✅ Train parents and grandparents in first aid actions, especially the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

These lifesaving actions are accessible to everyone. Many associations and local structures offer short training sessions for families . Municipal swimming pools are also ideal places for taking first aid and water rescue training, accessible to everyone.

 

What to do if a child swallows water?

swallowing water, it is a common situation but one that deserves special attention. If a child swallows water, first of all, calmly take them out of the water, reassure them and observe them attentively.
If they cough but breathe normally, just dry them off and keep them under observation. However, if their behavior changes (unusual fatigue, rapid breathing, pale complexion), it is imperative tocall emergency services immediately (15, 18, or 112).

⚠️ There are cases of “dry drowning” where symptoms appear a few hours after the incident: it is always better to remain cautious and attentive.

 

Introducing children to floating and autonomy

Learning to float is learning to save oneself. Aquatic safety experts agree on one point: the earlier a child familiarizes themselves with water, the more comfortable they will be in protecting themselves. It is essential for the child to feel comfortable in the water to progress safely and acquire the right reflexes.
The Floating swimsuit Plouf, used as part of attentive swimming supervision, accompanies children in this learning process. Its exclusive technology FibreAir® composed of 97% air offers natural buoyancy without inflation, while promoting mobility. 🦦
It certainly does not replace a rescue device or adult supervision, but it helps children discover the sensations of water safely, at their own pace, and strengthens their autonomy. It is also important to teach the starfish position, which allows the child to float on their back in case of a fall into the water, thus promoting breathing and survival.

 

Prevention: a collective commitment

Drowning prevention is a shared responsibility among families, educators, lifeguards, and institutions.
Plouf is proud to be partner of the French Swimming Federation and of its commitment to the I Learn to Swim 2024 operation, supported by the Ministry of Sports to allow children to learn to swim for free.
Our mission is simple: encourage families to adopt the right reflexes to prevent drowning, to stay vigilant and to teach children the values of caution and respect for water. 🌊

 

Water safety in three fundamental pillars

Children's water safety is based on three essential pillars: 

👀 Constant vigilance: never take your eyes off a child
💡 Preventive education: teach safety rules at the pool and the sea to children
🩱 Proper equipment: favor suitable devices like swimsuits floating swimwear Plouf

By applying these simple life-saving actions, each swim can remain a moment of shared joy, in serenity and confidence.