Have a kid safe summer in the water with help from San Bernardino County First 5

Learn about the ABCs of water safety, a simple guide to keeping yourself and others safe around water.

As temperatures rise in Southern California, water activities become a favorite pastime for families. However, it’s crucial to remember that drowning remains the leading cause of injury-related deaths for children 0-5 years old. First 5 San Bernardino is dedicated to promoting water safety through its “Kid Safe Summer” campaign, offering resources and guidelines to ensure children’s safety during water play.

The ABCs of water safety

First 5 San Bernardino emphasizes the “ABCs of Water Safety” to help parents and caregivers remember essential precautions.

A – Active adult supervision: Always designate a responsible adult as a “Water Watcher” who maintains constant, undistracted attention on children in or near water.
B – Barriers: Install and maintain proper barriers, such as pool fences with self-latching gates, to prevent unsupervised access to water.
C – Classes: Enroll children in age-appropriate swim lessons and ensure adults are trained in CPR to respond effectively in emergencies. Good news is that First 5 San Bernardino just dropped a list of free or low-cost CPR lessons and swim classes throughout San Bernardino County (some offerings are even online).

For water safety resources and tips, visit first5sanbernardino.org or follow us on Instagram or Facebook @First5SanBernardino.

Additional County Update News – May 15, 2025