As the school year winds down and summer vacation is on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to turn your focus to water safety. Each year in May, National Water Safety Month, communities nationwide come together to highlight the importance of being safer in and around water. 

In Florida, water is part of everyday life, covering a significant portion of our state and surrounding us at every turn, from sandy beaches and cool springs to neighborhood pools. Because of this, water safety is more than a seasonal topic; it’s a year-round necessity. At Watermelon Swim, we’re dedicated to helping families build confidence and awareness by equipping children with the skills and knowledge they need to stay safer in and around the water. 

This Water Safety Month, we’re expanding our impact, bringing families together through community events, meaningful partnerships, in-lesson emergency preparedness, and enhanced water safety education. 

Check out all of the ways we are celebrating below! 

Why it Matters 

Let’s take a look at the statistics: 

  • Florida leads the nation in fatal drowning incidents for children ages 1-4. 
  • Over 80% of drownings happen in residential pools with an adult present. 
  • Drowning can happen in under two minutes and is often completely silent. 
  • A child can drown in less than two inches of water. 
  • 66% of people who drown knew how to swim. 
  • 80% of all drowning victims are boys. 
  • Children from African American and Hispanic communities are disproportionately affected, with drowning rates more than three times higher than their peers. 
  • Most importantly, formal, continuous swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88% 

At Watermelon Swim, we believe drowning is preventable; that’s why we’re passionate about keeping families informed with the right knowledge and tools so they can create safer water exploration for their children. 

Slyce’s Seeds of Safety 

Slyce’s Seeds of Safety are five layers of protection to keep families safer in and around the water. We believe multiple strategies must work together to reduce the risk of drowning. No single method is foolproof, but when combined, they can drastically reduce the risk of drowning. 

Here are the five essential seeds of safety: 

  • Active Adult Supervision: Always designate a “Water Watcher” – an undistracted adult whose only job is to monitor swimmers. 
  • Barriers Around Pools: Four-sided fences, locks, pool covers, and alarms can all help prevent unsupervised water access. Florida law requires all residential swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 4 feet high, with no gaps or openings that a child could slip through. 
  • Swim Lessons: Formal, consistent, and repetitive swim lessons build muscle memory that can save lives and reduce the risk of drowning by 88%. 
  • CPR & First Aid Training: Knowing how to respond in an emergency can make all the difference, especially if you have a home pool or access to a pool with no lifeguard. 
  • Reduce Additional Risks: Remove pool toys that can entice a child into the water and avoid relying on floaties or water wings that give families a false sense of security. 

Emergency Preparedness 

During the 2nd week of May, we’ll be hosting a dedicated Water Safety Week from May 11-17 at all five locations with a focus on emergency preparedness. During this week, we go all-in on safety education with interactive activities, in-water practice, and take-home resources. 

Here’s what families can expect: 

  • Clothes-on Swim Lessons
  • All students are invited to come to class in their everyday clothing to practice what it feels like to swim in an emergency. No shoes and no socks for safety on the pool deck.
  • Life Jacket Practice
  • Instructors will help students try on and float with life jackets, so they feel confident and comfortable using them.
  • Slyce’s Seeds of Safety Walkthrough
  • Instructors will use our poolside water safety books to walk students through Slyce’s top water safety rules in a kid-friendly, relatable way. 

Slyce’s Water Safety Rules 

  • Always follow water safety rules. Read and follow all posted signs at pools or water parks.
  • Never, ever swim alone. Always swim with an adult or near a lifeguard – even if you’re a strong swimmer.
  • Help, but don’t jump in. Shout for help, call 911, and throw a flotation device – don’t get yourself in trouble helping a friend. 
  • Wear a life vest. Anytime you’re boating or participating in open water activities, or if you’re feeling tired in the pool. 

These safety seeds grow habits that sprout into lifelong water safety skills. 

How We’re Celebrating with Our Community 

This year, Watermelon Swim is participating in community events around Tampa Bay to emphasize the importance of water safety. 

Splash Safer 2026

Join us Saturday, May 2, at Watermelon Swim, Brooksville, for Splash Safer 2026. This is a fun, family-friendly event hosted by Tampa General Hospital in partnership with Hernando County Fire Rescue and Watermelon Swim. Splash Safer is all about water safety, drowning prevention, and building confidence around water, all while celebrating National Water Safety Month as a community.  

What to expect: 

  • Swim with a firefighter (registration required, limited spots remain)
  • Water safety education for kids & families
  • Fire truck and helicopter
  • Bounce house & Dunk tank
  • Food trucks
  • Hands-on fun for all ages 

This event is designed to help families feel more confident, informed, and prepared around water, just in time for summer. 

 Location: Watermelon Swim Brooksville 

 Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026 

 Cost: FREE and open to the public 

Bring the kids, invite your friends, and help us make safety a splash this summer!  

We’re going WILD for water safety with Zoo Tampa! 

Watermelon Swim is teaming up with Zoo Tampa to raise awareness about water safety and drowning prevention in celebration of National Water Safety Month. 

This month, you can find Watermelon Swim on-site at Toddler Tuesday, as well as the Manatee Conservation Celebration on May 2nd. Stop by to learn more about safety and survival swim skills, meet our mascot Slyce, and grab essential tips to keep your family safer, just in time for summer. 

We have tons more in the works for this exciting partnership. Stay tuned for more community events, education, giveaways, and more! 

Together, We Can Grow a Community of Safer Swimmers 

National Water Safety Month is the perfect time to start swim lessons, refresh your water safety skills, or share this knowledge with your community. Whether you’re splashing in a backyard pool or heading to the beach, an emergency can happen in the blink of an eye, but being prepared with the right tools can help prevent it. 

At Watermelon Swim, we’re here to help your little melon grow stronger, safer, and more confident – one splash at a time!