SafeSplash Swim School - Portland - Hollywood

Not all life jackets are created equal. 🦺

Walk into any big box store and you'll find shelves full of colorful flotation vests marketed for kids. Cute designs, low prices, easy to grab and toss in the cart. But many of those products have never been tested or approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

A USCG-approved life jacket has been rigorously tested to meet accepted safety standards. An unapproved flotation device has not. That difference matters enormously in an emergency. What to look for when you check yours:
🔍 The label should clearly state "U.S. Coast Guard Approved"
⚖️ Size by weight, not age
🔒 Straps should buckle snugly, lift from the shoulders and it shouldn't rise past the chin

If yours doesn't have that approval label, it's time to replace it. USCG-approved life jackets for kids are widely available at Dick's Sporting Goods, West Marine, and Amazon and most start around $25.

And remember: a life jacket is a layer of protection, not a substitute for knowing how to swim.

Rip currents, sudden depth changes, murky water, and busy beaches all create conditions that catch families off guard. A little preparation before you go keeps the focus on the fun.

We put together 10 beach safety tips to help your family head into the season with confidence, covering everything from designating a water watcher to what kids should do if they get caught in a current. 🌊

👉 Read the full guide here: https://www.safesplash.com/blog/10-beach-safety-tips

Summer on the water is one of the best things about this season. A few smart habits before you leave the dock keep a great day from turning into a scary one.

Life jackets fitted and on. Weather checked. Someone onshore who knows your route. The details are very important.

Our partners at the NDPA put together a boating safety checklist covering everything before you board, while you're on the water, and how to handle emergencies if they come up. 🌊

Save this post and take 5 minutes to review it before your next trip out. Your passengers will thank you:https://ndpa.org/clothestheywore/Boating-WaterSafetyChecklist-NDPA.pdf

Swim lessons don't stop at the pool's edge. Every skill your child works on is part of a carefully built progression designed to grow their confidence and safety in the water and you can keep that momentum going right at home.

Blowing bubbles in the bathtub. Practicing a flutter kick on the edge of the bed. Learning to hold a streamline on the living room floor. Small, consistent moments like these add up to huge breakthroughs in the water.

We've put together at-home practice activities for every level so you always know exactly how to support your swimmer between classes. 💧

👉 Visit us to find your child's level and get started: https://www.safesplash.com/homework

/homework

Peace of mind, every lesson. 💙

This parent said it best: patient instructors and real progress, lesson after lesson. That's the trust we build with every child in the water.

SafeSplash Summer Swim Camps start July 6th and are a great way to help kids build confidence, improve swim skills, and become safer around the water.

Each camp runs 4 days per week with 1-hour lessons each day, giving swimmers the consistent practice they need to learn faster, make steady progress, and often advance more quickly than with once-a-week lessons.

With summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to help your child:

• Learn important water safety skills
• Build comfort and confidence in the pool
• Strengthen foundational swim skills
• Improve strokes and technique
• Stay active, engaged, and have fun all summer long

Whether your child is just getting started or looking to refine their skills, our camps provide a fun, supportive environment where swimmers can learn, grow, and succeed.

Our Summer Swim Camps run for 4 weeks, and you can register for the weeks that best fit your family's schedule.

Spots are limited—reserve your child's summer swim camp spot today!

SafeSplash Swim School - Portland - Hollywood We believe swimming is a life skill & approach of our swim lessons with skill, care & passion!