Water Safety Guide
Water Safety in Volusia County
Drowning prevention tips, swim lesson guidance, adaptive aquatics, and local resources for West Volusia and the Daytona Beach area.
A Safer Summer Starts With Layers of Protection
In Florida, drowning is one of the leading causes of death in children under five, and children on the autism spectrum face a higher risk. May is Water Safety Month, but these tips matter all year, especially during summer when families enjoy West Volusia pools, splash pads, lakes, and the Daytona Beach coastline.
Use this guide to review water rules, start or refresh swim lessons, and help your child stay safe during any water day.
Water Safety Rules to Teach Kids
Always Swim With an Adult and a Buddy
Kids should ask permission before going near water. Use barriers like gates and locks at home, and teach children to respect them every time.
Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Life Jacket
Use properly fitted life jackets in or near open water, including rivers, lakes, the ocean, and boats. Skip arm floaties, puddle jumpers, and novelty inflatables, as they can foster unsafe habits and false confidence.
Learn to Swim Early
It is never too late to start. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports swim lessons from age 1, and many programs offer infant and toddler water-acclimation options.
Know How to Get Help
Teach kids to find a trusted adult or call 911 in an emergency. Older kids and teens can also benefit from a hands-only CPR class.
Tips for Parents & Caregivers
Designate a Water Watcher
One adult watches the water intently. No phones, no reading, no alcohol, and no deep conversations. Rotate every 15 to 30 minutes.
Layer Your Barriers at Home
Use a four-sided pool fence with self-closing, self-latching gates, door and pool alarms, and child-proof locks. Make sure any pool cover is professionally fitted, and store removable ladders when not in use.
Know the Rules for Boats, Open Water, and Private Pools
Review Florida requirements for life jackets, supervision, and barriers before your next outing.
Choose Bright Swimwear
Neon colors like lime, orange, and hot pink are easiest to spot in pools and lakes. Dark colors can disappear against pool bottoms or natural debris.
Keep a Phone Close and Learn CPR
Seconds matter. Keep a charged phone nearby, save local lifeguard and non-emergency numbers, and review your address or exact location before swimming.
Swim Lessons & Adaptive Aquatics
Find Lessons That Fit Your Child
Look for programs that teach water competency, including safe entry and exit, floating, turning, and short swims to safety.
Adaptive Options for Neurodivergent Swimmers
Many local instructors offer sensory-aware or adaptive aquatics with smaller ratios, visual supports, and gradual exposure.
Looking for local swim lessons?
Start with our Volusia County Swim Lesson Guide for programs across West Volusia and the greater Daytona Beach area.
View the Volusia County Swim Lesson GuideQuick Water-Day Checklist
✅ Water Watcher assigned
✅ USCG-approved life jackets packed and properly fitted
✅ Bright swimwear for kids
✅ Barriers and alarm batteries checked at home
✅ Phone charged and within reach
✅ Sunscreen, shade, and drinking water packed
✅ Ask-first rule reviewed with kids
Resources to Save
National Drowning Prevention Alliance
Layers of protection and Water Watcher tools.
Water Smart Florida
State task force, swim voucher information, and water safety resources.
Swim Angelfish
Adaptive aquatics strategies and support for swimmers with different needs.
Pool Safely
Federal pool safety guidance from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Volusia County Water Safety & Door Alarms
Local information and resources for families.
Get Involved
To join the Volusia County Drowning Prevention Task Force or receive updates for the Northeast Florida region, contact Becky Puhl at becky@swimwithbecky.com.
Friendly reminder: This article is for community education only and is not medical or legal advice. Always follow your pediatrician's guidance and the regulations in Florida and Volusia.
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