Stay Watchful, Stay Safer!

Water can be a source of fun and relaxation, but for young children, it’s also an irresistible risk. Whether at home, in a pool, or near open water, active supervision is the key to preventing accidents.

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Parents, caregivers, and group leaders all share the responsibility of keeping an eye on swimmers at all times. A moment of distraction can be dangerous, so stay close, stay alert, and when possible, swim near a lifeguard for added safety. Together, we can make every water activity a safer one!

If a child is missing, check the water first —every second counts in an emergency!

  • Always know where children are, even when water isn’t present, and never leave them unattended.
  • Remind guests, babysitters, and caregivers about water hazards and the need for constant, capable supervision.
  • Do not play or swim near drains or suction outlets, especially in spas and shallow pools.
  • Never enter a pool or spa that has a loose, broken, or missing drain cover.
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If a child is missing, check the water first. As many as 69% of young children who are found drowned or submerged in swimming pools were not expected to be in or at the pool.

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When to Start & Where to Look

Drownings can happen even when people are near water or swimming, making constant supervision essential.
  • Always watch carefully—most incidents occur when adults assume someone else is paying attention.
  • Stay within arm’s reach of infants, toddlers, and children who are not strong swimmers, practicing “touch supervision.”
  • USCG United States Coast Guard approved flotation devices are helpful but NOT a replacement for active supervision.

Swimsuit Visibility Saves Lives

Choosing your child’s swimsuit is more than aesthetics—it can make a difference in water emergencies. Some colors vanish under the water – make sure your child stands out.

See How Colors Compare

Be a Water Watcher

A Water Watcher is a responsible adult dedicated to actively supervising children in or around water—because distractions can be dangerous.
  • Stay focused and avoid distractions like texting or social media.
  • To maintain vigilance, rotate Water Watcher duties every 15 minutes.
  • Never send texts or take calls while supervising children in water.
  • If a child goes missing, always check the pool or water first—every second matters!
  • Use the Water Watcher Badge from Zero Drownings Miami-Dade to designate a responsible adult for
    uninterrupted supervision.
  • Staying alert and engaged is the best way to prevent accidents and keep everyone safer in and around water!

Visit us at the next event to pick up a Water Watcher Badge. Check out our Events Page!

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Lifeguards play a crucial role in water safety, but parental supervision remains essential.

  • Always swim near a lifeguard whenever possible.
  • Lifeguards are trained in supervision, water rescue, and emergency response, making swimming areas safer.
  • Parents and caregivers should still maintain active supervision—lifeguards add protection, but they don’t replace your watchful eye.
  • A lifeguard on duty means safer swimming, but staying alert is everyone’s responsibility!

Rip currents are powerful currents of water moving away from shore. They can sweep even the strongest swimmer out to sea. Before you go, check the Surf Zone Forecast or NOAA Weather Radio for rip current warnings.

What is a Rip Current

  • A rip current is a strong, narrow channel of water flowing away from the shore.
  • It can pull even good swimmers out to sea.
  • Most common when big swells or strong winds push water toward shore.
How to Stay Safe
  • Learn to swim — many victims can’t swim and get caught while wading.
  • Swim at guarded beaches and always follow lifeguard instructions.

If Caught in a Rip Current

  • Stay calm. Signal for help.
  • Don’t fight the current. Instead, swim sideways (parallel to the shore) until free.
  • If you can’t escape, float until it weakens, then swim diagonally to shore.
  • Never try to rescue someone yourself.

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Stay safe at the beach by understanding what each flag means. Lifeguards use these international signals to alert you of water conditions, hazards, and safe swimming zones. Remember flags support, but do not replace, lifeguards.

Yellow Flag

  • Medium hazard: Moderate surf or currents.
  • Weak swimmers should stay out. Others: use caution.

Red Flag

  • High hazard: Strong surf and dangerous currents.
  • Swimming not recommended. Extreme caution if you enter.

Double Red Flags

  • Water closed to the public.
  • No swimming allowed.

Purple Flag

  • Marine pests present: Jellyfish, stingrays, or other stingers.
  • Watch for minor injuries.

Red/Yellow Flag

  • Lifeguard-protected swim zone.
  • Safer area for swimming under supervision.

Black/White (quartered) Flags

  • Surfboards & non-powered watercraft zone.
  • Designated area for board users.

Yellow Flag with Black Ball

  • No surfboards or non-powered watercraft allowed.

Orange Windsock

  • Strong offshore winds.
  • Unsafe for inflatables (floats, rafts).

Red/White (quartered) Flag

  • Emergency evacuation.
  • Leave the water immediately — danger present (e.g. shark, contamination).
  • Choose swimming areas with a lifeguard on duty.
  • Their training in surveillance, rescues, and emergency care helps keep the water safer for everyone.
  • Even with a lifeguard present, parents and caregivers should keep constant, close watch on children.
  • Think of lifeguards as an important safety backup, not a substitute for your attention.
  • Safe swimming is a shared responsibility—stay aware and engaged at all times.

Stay Safe: The Hidden Dangers of Pool Drains

  • Drain Safety: Avoid entrapments.
  • Hair: Can get tangled in faulty or broken drain covers.
  • Limbs: Arms, legs, or fingers can get stuck in suction openings.
  • Body: Covering a drain can create dangerous suction.
  • Evisceration: Sitting on an uncovered drain can cause severe injuries.
  • Mechanical: Jewelry or swimsuits can get caught in drain covers.
  • Broken Drains: Pools or spas with damaged or missing covers must be closed until repaired by a licensed professional.

More Safety Tips

Swimming Lessons

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Alarms & Barriers

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Life Jackets​

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First Aid Tips - Rescue & CPR

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