Summer is one of the most exciting times of the year for young children. They enjoy the long days of sunshine, outdoor adventures, and splashing in the water. At Imagination Station, we know how much children love water play and how important it is for families to keep water fun both safe and educational.
Whether your child is learning to swim, splashing in a backyard pool, or enjoying safe water play at our daycare, here are some helpful tips to make this summer season one filled with smiles and safety.
Why Summer is the Perfect Time for Learning Through Play
As a leader in early childhood education, Imagination Station embraces the summer months as a time for hands-on learning and fun. Water activities help children:
Develop fine and gross motor skills
Practice sensory exploration
Learn about cause and effect through pouring, scooping, and splashing
Build confidence in and around water
Family Tips for Water Safety While Teaching Children to Swim
Enroll in Swim Lessons: Teaching children to swim is one of the best ways to protect them from drowning. Look for age-appropriate swim classes at local pools, YMCAs, or aquatic centers.
Supervise Constantly: Never take your eyes off children near water: not even for a second. Drowning can happen silently and in less than 30 seconds.
Use Life Jackets: When boating or around open water, always use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Even confident swimmers should wear them in natural bodies of water.
Stay within arm’s reach of an adult if they are not strong swimmers
Watch Out for Small Water Hazards: Even shallow water such as in kiddie pools, buckets, or bathtubs can pose risks. Always empty containers after use and supervise closely.
How Imagination Station Handles Water Play Safely
At Imagination Station, child safety is always our top priority especially when it comes to water activities. Here’s how we keep daycare water play safe:
Age-Appropriate Water Play: We use shallow water activities such as sprinklers, water tables, and splash mats, not deep pools.
Constant Supervision: Our trained staff maintains a low child-to-staff ratio during water play.
Certified Staff: Many of our team members are certified in infant and child CPR and First Aid.
Clear Rules: Children are taught water safety rules and supervised while practicing safe behaviors.
Secure Play Areas: All water play is conducted in fenced and designated areas, away from deeper water hazards.
By following these procedures, we ensure that children can enjoy all the learning and fun of water play in a secure environment.
Make Water Safety a Family Priority This Summer
Summer is a wonderful time for bonding, exploring, and making memories as a family. By taking a few extra precautions, you can help your child develop a healthy respect for water, along with the skills and confidence to enjoy it safely. At Imagination Station, we’re proud to partner with families to promote safe water play and summer fun both at home and in our classrooms. If you have any questions about water safety or would like to learn more about our summer programs and safe water play activities, please contact us today!
