Water Safety Tips for Babysitters and Caregivers

Mom and Dad, you work hard—constantly juggling work, grocery shopping, taking the tots to school, helping with homework, jumping into swim lessons and a million other activities. You deserve a break! Whether it’s a night, an afternoon or even an hour out on the town, your reprieve may come through the shining, smiling face of a caregiver. 

While a caregiver can bring welcome relief, it’s essential that you first ensure they are educated in water safety. “More children ages one to four die from drowning than any other cause of death. [In addition,] drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages five to 14,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

From bathtubs to backyard pools, water is everywhere and it can pose several unexpected risks. That’s why it’s important your caregiver knows what to look for so they can help prevent accidents and keep your children safe while you’re away. To make it easier, we’ve created simple, easy-to-follow water safety resources that you can share with your caregiver! Read on for a downloadable, printable checklist, video and more helpful tips. 

Prepare Your Caregiver and Your Home for Water Safety

Whoever gets the opportunity to watch your little ones should be given more than the dinner menu, activity schedule and bedtime routine. Parents should equip their caregiver with the best information available pertaining to the safety of your family—and this includes water safety! Having relevant expectations, health conditions, allergies and emergency numbers located in a convenient, visible location gives them valuable resources while offering you the peace of mind you need to relax during your time away. 

Instructional Video on Children’s Water Safety

Watch This Caregiver Water Safety Training Video! 

“Water Safety for Caregivers” is a quick, informative water safety instructional video designed specifically for caregivers. It includes the real and heartbreaking story of Jasper Ray, a toddler who tragically drowned while in the care of a babysitter. His story is a powerful reminder of how quickly accidents can happen and how vital it is for every caregiver to know what to do around water.

This video also offers simple, lifesaving tips that can make all the difference, including adult supervision, pool access, water safety risk removal, the addition of barriers, and how to respond in an emergency. We recommend sending this video to your caregiver to watch before their shift begins or watching it together before you head out for the evening. It’s a simple step that gives you peace of mind and helps ensure that your child’s safety around water is a shared priority.

Print A Caregiver’s Guide to Water Safety 

To help keep your family safe, we have put together the Caregiver’s Guide to Water Safety for you to download and print for your caregiver. By providing and discussing this checklist with them, you’re outlining your expectations regarding in-home water safety. After all, water is everywhere, in every season (bathtubs, backyards, buckets, etc.) and bringing this to the attention of those taking care of your kiddos is essential. Set everyone up for a fun, safe evening by placing this list on the counter, refrigerator or kitchen table so everyone can see it. 

Download, email, text and print our Caregiver’s Guide to Water Safety today! 

How to Talk to Babysitters About Water Safety

In addition to our checklist, you’ll want to communicate with your babysitter additional water safety precautions and boundaries for your family. Fill them in on your children’s bath time routine and where they are and are not allowed to be around water (the community pool, neighborhood pond, flooded ditches, friend’s pool, etc.). There are certain questions you will need to ask in advance, guidelines you may want to emphasize and insights to share that only a parent would know.

A few tips when speaking with babysitters (particularly teen and young adult caregivers) about water safety: 

CPR Certified

Prior to your evening away, ask your caregiver if they are CPR certified. If they are not, limit or prohibit their time in backyard, community and friend’s pools. 

Share Insight

While parents have a sixth sense about their child’s whereabouts and safety around the water, remember that young caregivers may not. Think through what water safety traits you would have been unaware of before having children and make those things clear to your caregiver. It is better to be overly cautious when it comes to the water. 

Emergency Essentials

Explain the importance of having a phone close by during bath time and if swimming. Make sure to tell your caregiver where you keep your family’s fully-stocked first aid kit. 

No Tik Tok on the Clock

Reiterate that devices are only for emergencies. No talking, texting, social media or scrolling when water is present.  

At Aqua-Tots Swim School, we know that date nights may be few and far between for busy moms and dads. That’s why we want your time away to be relaxing and to help facilitate the peace of mind that comes with children who are safe in and around the water. 

Looking for more tips? Explore our blog for additional ways to keep your children safe around water!