What flotation protection should a child use?

Children should wear life jackets for all activities in and around natural water. Do not rely on air-filled or foam flotation toys. These toys are not safety devices.

Child water safety

Plan for children near the water

Close supervision, swimming skills, life jackets, and a guarded beach work together to help keep children safer.

Sources checked August 20, 2026: CDC Preventing Drowning (opens in a new tab) and NOAA Beach and Bay Safe guide (opens in a new tab) .

Five ways to help protect a child

Watch children closely

Choose one responsible adult to watch each child closely and constantly near water. Avoid distractions, even when lifeguards are present.

Build swimming skills

Enroll children in formal swimming lessons. Lessons can reduce risk, but they do not replace close and constant supervision.

Use life jackets

Children should wear life jackets for all activities in and around natural water.

Choose a guarded beach

Choose a guarded beach when possible. Make a water safety plan from a dry place before approaching the water.

Know what does not provide protection

Do not rely on air-filled or foam flotation toys. These toys are not safety devices.

Source: CDC Preventing Drowning (opens in a new tab) · Source: NOAA Beach and Bay Safe guide (opens in a new tab)

Child water safety questions

How should I supervise a child near water?: Choose one responsible adult to watch each child closely and constantly near water. Avoid distractions, even when lifeguards are present.; Source: CDC Preventing Drowning (opens in a new tab)
Do swimming lessons replace close supervision?: Enroll children in formal swimming lessons. Lessons can reduce risk, but they do not replace close and constant supervision.; Source: CDC Preventing Drowning (opens in a new tab)
What flotation protection should a child use?: Children should wear life jackets for all activities in and around natural water. Do not rely on air-filled or foam flotation toys. These toys are not safety devices.; Source: CDC Preventing Drowning (opens in a new tab)
How should I choose and prepare for a beach visit?: Choose a guarded beach when possible. Make a water safety plan from a dry place before approaching the water.; Source: NOAA Beach and Bay Safe guide (opens in a new tab)