The largest international swim school franchise shares three easy water safety steps every family should know as we splash into summer.
What do you think of when you hear the word “summer”? Most people imagine sandy white beaches, blue oceans, strawberry ice cream cones, Ferris wheels and free time spent a splishin’ and a splashin’ in the water with friends and loved ones. These are the memories that last a lifetime!
Summer is only a few months away, and many New Jersey families are already planning ahead for warm, sunny days by the water. Swim lessons are the foundation of every safe and happy water experience. Whether you’re out on the lake, sending your child to a friend’s backyard pool party or enjoying a beachfront barbeque with your family, having the proper preparation is key to keeping your children safe. At Aqua-Tots Swim School, we’re here to help little ones gain confidence in the water and keep them safe all year long!
Water safety is important, and swim lessons are the best way to build strong, independent swimmers. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages one to four and a major risk for older kids as well. In New Jersey alone, 67 children lost their lives to drowning between 2018 and 2022—a heartbreaking statistic. But with the right precautions, we can help prevent tragedies and create safer swimming environments for all. 
That’s why we encourage families to follow the ABCs of Water Safety:
Adult Supervision – Always keep a close eye on children in and around the water. Stay within arm’s reach of little swimmers and remain distraction-free.
Barriers – Backyard pools should have secure fencing and self-latching gates to help prevent little children from accessing the water on their own. Put pool toys away after swim time to avoid tempting little ones to reach for them.
Classes – Enrolling children in year-round swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%, according to the National Institutes of Health. Children can start swim lessons as young as 4 months old in our Parent & Tot classes. 
The need for water safety reaches far beyond summer. Knowing how to swim is an essential skill that children will need throughout their lives. “Drowning can happen quickly and often when least expected,” says Aqua-Tots CEO Craig Wright. “By following the ABCs of Water Safety, families can take simple steps that make a big difference in keeping kids safe and confident around water.”
At Aqua-Tots, we offer small group, semi-private and private lessons, make-up classes and flexible scheduling through the Aqua-Tots app to make swim lessons convenient for busy families. Now is the perfect time to enroll before summer spots fill up! To sign up for lessons, go to aqua-tots.com/toms-river/.
