As the weather warms up in Denver, families start thinking about pool days, lake trips, and summer vacations. But before the swimsuits and sunscreen come out, May is the perfect time to focus on something even more important: water safety.
May is Water Safety Month, and at Foss Swim School, we see it as the ideal opportunity for families to prepare kids not just to swim—but to be safer and more confident in and around water.
Here’s how to get your child truly swim-ready for summer.
Swim-Ready Means More Than Just “Can Swim”
A lot of parents say, “My child can swim,” but what does that actually mean?
Being swim-ready isn’t about swimming across the pool once—it’s about having the skills to handle unexpected situations in the water.
At Foss Swim School, we focus on building water competency, which includes essential safety skills like:
- Flipping from front to back
- Returning to the wall independently
- Climbing out of the water using ‘Elbow-Elbow-Squeeze’
- Only entering the water with permission from an adult
These are the skills that help children stay safer in and around the water.
Start (or Restart) Swim Lessons Early
If your child hasn’t been in lessons recently, May is the time to jump back in.
Even kids who have taken lessons before can lose skills over time, especially after a long winter. A refresher helps rebuild comfort, confidence, and muscle memory before summer activities begin.
Consistent, high-quality lessons help kids:
- Build strong foundational skills
- Gain confidence in different water environments
- Practice safety skills regularly
Practice Water Safety Outside of Lessons
Swim lessons are essential, but what happens outside the pool matters just as much.
Simple habits at home can reinforce safety:
- Teach: “No water without a grown-up.”
- Have kids practice asking permission before entering water
- Talk through “what if” scenarios (like falling into a pool)
- Reinforce safe behaviors every time you’re near water
At FOSS, we encourage families to treat water safety like any other life skill, one that takes practice, repetition, and consistency.
Image courtesy of Foss Swim School
Make Sure You’re Practicing Active Supervision
One of the biggest misconceptions about water safety is that it’s only about swim ability.
In reality, supervision is the most important layer of protection.
Drowning is often quick and silent, which is why Foss Swim School recommends:
- Staying within arm’s reach of young or inexperienced swimmers
- Putting phones away when supervising
- Assigning a “water watcher” during group gatherings
Even strong swimmers need someone watching them.
Don’t Skip Life Jackets for Open Water
Colorado summers often mean time at lakes and reservoirs, and these environments come with added risks, such as cold water, drop-offs, and limited visibility.
For open water:
- Use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets
- Make sure they fit properly
- Require them for weaker swimmers or young children
And a quick reminder: floaties and water wings are not safety devices, they’re toys.
Build Confidence Before Summer Starts
One of the best things you can do for your child is help them feel comfortable in the water before summer activities begin.
Confidence plays a huge role in safety. When kids feel unsure or panicked, they’re more likely to struggle.
At Foss Swim School, we focus on creating a positive, encouraging environment where kids can build both skills and confidence.
A Safer Summer Starts Now
Getting swim-ready isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s built through lessons, practice, and consistent safety habits.
This Water Safety Month, take a few simple steps:
- Enroll (or re-enroll) in swim lessons
- Practice safety skills regularly
- Stay vigilant with supervision
- Use proper safety equipment
At Foss Swim School, our mission is to help families feel confident and prepared in and around water, so kids can enjoy everything summer has to offer, safely.
Image courtesy of Foss Swim School
About Foss Swim School
At Foss Swim School, we believe swimming is more than a sport; it's a lifelong, life-saving skill.
Since 1993, we've helped hundreds of thousands of swimmers grow in confidence, safety, and skill in and around water. Our proven Swim Path® curriculum is tailored to each student's age, experience, and ability, helping them make steady progress and reach important milestones, like floating, breath control, and mastering strokes.
We’re not just another swim school. Our entire facility is built specifically for swim lessons, from our warm, 91-degree pools to our thoughtfully designed viewing areas. Every detail supports learning, comfort, and fun.
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