National Water Safety Month: 3 Rules Every Norfolk Family Should Know

1. The Water Watcher Rule

We’ve all been there, a backyard BBQ where there are ten adults and five kids in the pool. We assume that because there are so many eyes on the water, everyone is safe. In reality, this is when accidents are most likely to happen because everyone assumes someone else is watching.

The Rule: Designate a "Water Watcher". This person wears a specific lanyard or holds a specific "Water Watcher" tag and has zero distractions. No phone, no side conversations, and no grilling. Every 15–20 minutes, pass the tag to another adult. When everyone is responsible, no one is responsible. When one person is responsible, lives are saved.

Did you know that the color of your child’s swimsuit can actually act as a safety device? It sounds simple, but it’s a game-changer. In a pool, and especially in the darker, more choppy waters of the Chesapeake Bay, blue, green, and navy swimsuits disappear completely under the surface.

The Rule: Opt for neon colors like bright orange, pink, or lime green. These colors provide the highest contrast against blue water and white pool bottoms, making it much easier for a lifeguard or parent to spot a child in a split second. Save the cute blue patterns for the cover-ups and go neon for the water!

At Katie’s Kickers, we teach self-rescue and swimming skills, but we always remind parents that swimming lessons are just one layer of protection. A life jacket is another. A fence with a locked gate is another.

The Rule: Use Layers of Protection. If you are near the water, ensure your child has:

• The Skill: Consistent swim lessons to build muscle memory.
• The Gear: A Coast Guard-approved life jacket (especially on boats or docks!).
• The Barrier: Ensuring pool gates are latched and alarms are on. Never rely on just one layer. When we stack these safety measures together, we create the safest possible environment for our kids to explore.