Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Why Water Safety Matters (Information & Stats)
- Water, especially in the summer, can be fun – but safety comes first!
- A child can drown in seconds, often silently and without splashing. According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, it can happen in as little as 30 seconds.
- For children between the ages of 1 and 4, drowning is the leading cause of death. For children between the ages of 5 to 14, it’s the second-leading cause of death.
- And so many accidental drownings are preventable with some basic safety precautions and awareness.
- Whether you’re at a New Jersey pool, beach, lake, splash pad, bathtub, or even using a kiddie pool at home, simple safety steps can help protect children and prevent tragedies every summer.
Always have someone keep their eyes on children around water. Drowning is often silent. Designate a responsible adult to actively supervise children in the pool or at the beach without distractions like phones, conversations, or other party chores.
Drowning Doesn’t Always Look Like Drowning
Many people expect drowning to look loud or dramatic – but often it doesn’t.
Signs may include:
- Head low in water
- Mouth at water level
- Vertical body position
- Little or no kicking
- Silent Struggling
If something feels off, trust your adult duck instincts.
Swim lessons can be fun, and help children build confidence around the water, while also helping them to stay safe. Swimming is also great exercise!
There are many partners throughout the state that offer low- and even some no-cost swim lesson options. Check the links below to find the best option for your family!
FIND A LOCAL YMCA THAT OFFERS SWIM CLASSES >
SWIM LESSONS THROUGH AMERICAN RED CROSS >
RUTGERS UNIVERSITY SWIM LESSONS >
Keep the Whole Flock Safe
Safety works best when the whole flock is on board.
- Learn CPR (Adult, Child & Infant)
- Teach kids basic water rules to stay safe around water
- Remove toys from the pool after use
- Keep gates and locks secured after use
All Campaign Material
These materials regarding water safety are free of charge and available by completing the PUBLICATIONS ORDER FORM. Some materials are also available for downloading.
| Thumbnail | Title | Description | Medium | Languages / Links |
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Drowning Safety Carousel | These materials warn that leaving children unattended in /or near water can lead to injury or death. | Download (.ZIP file) | English |
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Keep Me Safe - Bath Tub Safety
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Test the water temperature. Stay close when kiddos are in the tub.
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Download (.JPG)
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Keep Me Safe - Kiddie Pool Safety
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Even small amounts of water can be dangerous.
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Download (.JPG)
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Keep Me Safe - Pool Swim Lessons
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Swim lessons are a fun way to engage little ones to be safe and confident in the water.
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Download (.JPG)
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Keep Me Safe - Pool Water Watcher
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Pick a Water Watcher!
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Download (.JPG)
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Swim Safety - Tips for Families
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Six vital safety tips for safe, healthy, and connected families.
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Download (.PDF)
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Swim Safety - Not Even for a Second
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(Available in a 11x17 poster and 4x9 card) These materials warn of the dangers of leaving children unattended around water and give tips about how you can keep children safe. |
Print / Download | Poster English Card English Spanish |
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Swimsuit Safety | These materials provide guidance on the best colors to increase visibility under the water. | Download (.ZIP file) | English |