As the days grow warmer, water becomes part of family life again. A dip in the backyard pool, a morning at the beach, or splashing in the paddling pool on a hot afternoon.
These moments bring so much joy to little ones. They also call for some extra care, because young children and water can be a risky mix. With a few calm, consistent habits, you can help your child enjoy the water safely all summer long.
Understanding the Risk for Young Children
Babies, toddlers and preschoolers are naturally curious. They're drawn to water long before they understand that it can be dangerous.
Drowning is often quick and quiet. It can happen in just a few centimetres of water, and there may be no splashing or crying out to alert you.
The latest National Drowning Report from Royal Life Saving shows 11 children under five drowned in Australia in 2025/26. That's 39% below the 10-year average, which is a hopeful sign. Still, more than half of those deaths (55%) happened in backyard swimming pools.
Knowing where the risks are is the first step. The habits below can help you feel prepared and confident this summer.
Everyday Water Safety Habits for Your Family
Give your child your full attention near water
Active supervision matters more than anything else. Royal Life Saving explains this as giving your full attention to your child whenever they're in, on or near water.
Stay close enough to reach them at all times, and be ready to get in the water if needed. It's easy to be distracted by a phone, a conversation or a household task. If you need to step away, bring your child with you.
Supervising a young child around water is always an adult's role, not one for an older sibling.
Make sure your pool barrier is working
Your pool fence is an important back-up if your attention slips. Before summer, take a moment to check that:
- The gate closes and latches by itself every time
- Nothing is holding the gate open
- There are no gaps, broken panels or loose palings
- Furniture, pot plants, toys and barbecues are well away from the fence so little ones can't climb
When you're in the pool area with your child, stay inside the fence together. Kidsafe offers a pool safety checklist to help. Fencing rules differ between states and territories, so your local council is the best place to check what applies to you.
Remember paddling and inflatable pools
Portable pools are lovely on hot days, but they can be easy to overlook. Under state and territory laws, pools that can hold more than 30cm of water generally need a compliant safety fence, the same as a permanent pool.
Empty smaller paddling pools as soon as you've finished, and store them where they can't fill with rainwater.
Notice the water around your home
Everyday items can hold enough water to be a risk for a young child. Take care with:
- Baths and sinks (empty them straight away)
- Buckets and nappy buckets (keep lids on and out of reach)
- Ponds, water features and birdbaths
- Water tanks
- Pet water bowls
Raising Children Network recommends supervising children in the bath until around five years of age, even when older siblings are in the bath too.
Plan ahead for gatherings and getaways
Summer celebrations and holidays are wonderful, but busy settings can make supervision tricky. It's easy for everyone to assume someone else is watching.
Agree on one adult to be the water watcher, and swap in clear shifts so there's never a gap.
If you're staying somewhere new, look for water hazards when you first arrive. Holiday homes, caravan parks and relatives' houses may have pools, spas or dams you don't have at home.
If your child is ever missing, always check nearby water first.
See swimming lessons as one layer of protection
Water familiarisation classes are a gentle way to build your child's comfort in the water. Classes for babies and toddlers (around 6 to 36 months) focus on simple skills like moving through the water, getting their face wet and blowing bubbles. Water confidence classes for three to five year olds build on these.
Even so, a child who can swim can still drown. Lessons support water safety but never replace close supervision.
Help with the cost of lessons
Some state governments offer support with the cost of swimming lessons. At the time of writing:
- Queensland: The Play On! Learn to Swim program offers vouchers of up to $150 for children aged 0 to 4 for eligiable families.
- Victoria: The VICSWIM Summer Kidz program offers low-cost lessons each January for children aged four and over.
Because programs and eligibility change, check the official page before booking. Your local swim school can also let you know which vouchers they accept.
Know what to do in an emergency
If a child is in or near water and isn't breathing or responding, call Triple Zero (000) and start CPR straight away.
Organisations such as Royal Life Saving, St John Ambulance and Australian Red Cross run CPR courses. Refreshing your skills regularly can give you real peace of mind.
Gently teach simple water rules
Young children can begin learning simple rules about water. You might try:
- "We only go near water with a grown-up."
- "We walk, not run, around the pool."
- "We wait for a grown-up before we get in."
Use positive language and repeat the rules often. Over time, they become part of your child's everyday understanding.
Learning Through Water Play at Papilio
Water play is a wonderful part of early learning. Pouring, scooping and feeling how water moves supports early science and maths thinking, fine motor skills and confidence. It's one of the many ways children learn through their senses, which you can read more about in our post on sensory play and your child's early development.
Heading into the warmer months, our post on supporting sun-safe habits for the season ahead is a helpful read alongside this one.
If you'd like to know more about water play or summer routines at your centre, our educators are always happy to talk.
With a little planning and plenty of care, summer can be full of safe, happy moments by the water.