Safety in and around the water: what parents need to know
When temperatures rise and the swimming season is in full swing, families flock to pools, lakes, and beaches. Wonderful, of course: swimming is not only fun, but also healthy and an important part of Dutch culture. Yet, too often, things go wrong in and around the water. Every year, accidents occur that could have been prevented with the right knowledge and preparation.
- 16/10/2025
- Reading time: 4 min
At Van der Wal Sports & Swimming Academy, we believe that water fun and safety go hand in hand. In this blog post, we share practical tips, insights, and considerations so your child (and you as a parent) can enjoy the water with peace of mind.
1. Start with confidence
Children who are afraid of water often act unpredictably. They might freeze or suddenly run to deeper water. The foundation of water safety begins with self-confidence. We pay a lot of attention to this in our swimming lessons . We build that confidence step by step, for example, by first getting used to splashing, floating, and looking underwater. A child who knows what the water does is more confident in listening to instructions and is less likely to panic.
Parent tip: Practice water outside of class in a playful way. For example, let your child blow bubbles with a straw in the bath or dive off toys. Small moments of success boost their self-confidence enormously.
2. Know the dangers of different types of water
Not all water types are the same. Risks vary by environment—and that calls for a different approach.
Swimming in a pool:
It's more organized here, and there are often lifeguards present. However, most accidents happen close to the shore. So always keep an eye on things, even in shallow water. Check out the pools in Amsterdam , and you might just see us teaching!Swimming in open water (lakes, ponds, sea):
Currents, sudden drops, cold, and poor visibility make open water much more challenging. Allow children to swim only at official, supervised swimming locations. Pay attention to warning flags and avoid areas with boats or aquatic plants.At home or on vacation:
A small pool or pond seems harmless, but it isn't. A child can drown in just 10 centimeters of water. Never leave children unattended, even for a minute.
3. Always stay within arm's reach
One of the most important safety rules:
“A child in the water is never alone, even if he or she can swim.”
Even with an A, B, or C diploma, things can still happen. Fatigue, distraction, or a miscalculation can quickly become dangerous.
Always keep young children within arm's reach. This means you can grab them immediately if something goes wrong. Don't rely entirely on inflatable armbands or swim rings; they are merely aids, not lifesavers.
4. Swimming ability is more than just diplomas
Obtaining a Swimming ABC certificate is an important milestone, but true swimming safety goes beyond that. A child who has just received their C diploma is well prepared for many situations, but not yet for all.
swimming skills lessons even after ABC . This way, they stay accustomed to the water, improve their technique, and increase their endurance.
A good rule of thumb: you are only considered safe to swim if you can continue swimming for 15 minutes, even in unexpected circumstances.
5. Teach your child what to do in an emergency
Water safety is not just about prevention, but also about knowing what to do if something does go wrong.
For example, teach your child:
- Do not panic if water enters through your nose or mouth.
- How to float on your back to rest.
- How to shout or wave to ask for help.
- That it should never run into deep water after a ball or toy.
And for parents themselves:
- Learn basic first aid and CPR for children.
- Know where lifebuoys and emergency telephones are located, especially in open water.
Register immediately for
Swimming lessons!
Van der Wal Sport- en Zwemacademie works according to the ABC diploma of the national Swimming Education in The Netherlands.
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