Water Survival Skills for Your Child? Think Twice!

Recently, a conversation on social media got me thinking about how we teach our children to interact with water, especially in the context of survival skills. As a professional freediver and a mother of three, I’ve seen firsthand how crucial it is to approach water safety with both care and balance. 

The discussion centred around the importance of water survival skills for young children, suggesting that even from a young age, kids should be trained to "survive" if they find themselves alone in the water. While the intention behind this training is undoubtedly rooted in safety, I have some reservations about this approach.

Instilling a Love for Water

In my view, the primary focus should be on fostering a positive and enjoyable relationship with water. From the moment they’re born, children have an innate connection to water; after all, they spent nine months floating in amniotic fluid. This natural affinity is something we should nurture, not overshadow with fear.

When we approach water safety with an emphasis on fun and playfulness, we help children develop a healthy, joyful connection with water. Instead of creating anxiety around water, we should encourage a sense of wonder and excitement. Supervision is key—ensuring that babies and young children are always watched around water is a practical and effective safety measure.

 The Balance of Safety and Enjoyment

The suggestion to teach children survival skills as if performing a fire drill is understandable. In an emergency, having ingrained responses can be life-saving. However, my concern is that such training can sometimes in-still a sense of dread rather than preparedness.

Australia is fortunate to have strict pool safety regulations, including fences and gates, which significantly reduce the risk of accidents. These safety measures, combined with vigilant supervision, are often sufficient to keep children safe.

Instead of focusing solely on survival training, we should aim to create environments where water safety is second nature. 

 Water as a Source of Joy and Discovery

Ultimately, every parent must make the decision that feels right for their family. I share my perspective not to dismiss the value of survival skills but to highlight the importance of ensuring that our approach to water safety supports a healthy, loving relationship with water.

Water should be a source of joy and discovery, not fear. Would you agree?