With over 25 years in the aquatics field, Rebecca Jones has valuable insights into preventing drownings. As an aquatics safety consultant and a mother of two, she understands the challenges parents face when it comes to water safety. Recently, while attending a pool party for her daughter’s team, she was struck by how much parents care about their kids’ safety yet lack practical knowledge on the subject.
“I noticed that many parents had good intentions but were not educated on the realities of drowning risks,” Rebecca shared. “It prompted me to compile a list of ten water safety tips.” Her post quickly gained traction on the Aquatics Tribe Facebook page, receiving over 3.1 million views and going viral in no time.
Unlike the typical summer safety advice, Rebecca’s tips draw from her extensive experience investigating drowning incidents. “I want to encourage parents to pay attention and not get distracted,” she emphasized. “We see many drowning cases during this time of year, but the advice often misses practical aspects. I aimed to create a useful resource.”
Key Water Safety Tips
One innovative suggestion she offers is conducting a safety briefing every time your family is near water. This can be as simple as discussing the rules while applying sunscreen. “I make sure to explain where they can swim, how to jump safely, and the importance of following rules,” she explained. “It’s also a chance to involve my kids and get their perspectives on safety.”
Another crucial piece of advice is for kids to understand water depth in relation to their own height. “They should know what water depth means for their safety,” she stated. For instance, her 6-year-old recognizes that 4 feet of water is over his head, while her 8-year-old understands the implications of depth on her ability to keep her airway clear.
Rebecca also stresses the importance of teaching kids how to escape if a struggling swimmer grabs onto them. “I’ve taught my children the technique: suck in air, duck under the water, and push away using their limbs—then yell for an adult,” she explained. She strongly advises against relying on arm floats or tubes as safety devices, as they can lead to dangerous situations.
She highlights the value of swim lessons for children and CPR training for adults. When asked about the most important aspect of drowning prevention, Rebecca replied, “We need to educate our kids about water dangers in a way they can truly understand. Informed kids make better choices.” She refers to this as creating layers of safety, emphasizing that everyone involved—parents, children, lifeguards—should be educated to reduce risks.
Rebecca is pleased that her post has resonated with so many people, highlighting a significant need for accessible water safety guidance. To further this mission, she has established Aquatics Safety Connection, aiming to provide practical advice to more families.
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In summary, Rebecca Jones’ practical water safety tips are a vital resource for parents looking to ensure their children’s safety around water. Her insights, based on years of hands-on experience, empower families to create a safer aquatic environment.