National Water Safety Month with Watermelon Swim

April showers bring… water safety powers! That’s right – May is National Water Safety Month, a time when communities across the country join forces to raise awareness about staying safe in, on, and around water.

Here in Florida, where water makes up 20% of our state, water safety isn’t just important – it’s essential. From beaches and lakes to backyard pools, water is all around us. That’s why here at Watermelon Swim, we are passionate about empowering families with the tools, skills, and knowledge they need to help their children grow into safer, more confident swimmers.

Why it Matters

The world is 71% water, and our children are 100% curious. We can’t expect curiosity to disappear just because we’ve told a child to be careful. The most effective way to prevent water-related emergencies is through consistent, hands-on practice of safety skills.

Unfortunately, the statistics are sobering:

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%

We don’t share these statistics to scare you – we share them to empower you. At Watermelon Swim, we believe drowning is preventable. When families are armed with the right knowledge and tools, they can create safer water exploration for their children.

Slyce’s Seeds of Safety (Layers of Protection)

At Watermelon Swim, we believe in Slyce’s Seeds of Safety, 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.

What to Expect During Water Safety Week.

To celebrate Water Safety Month, Watermelon Swim is hosting a dedicated Water Safety Week from May 12-18 at all five locations. During this week, we go all-in on safety education with interactive activities, in-water practice, and take-home resources.

Here’s what your family 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.

Looking for a fun way to reinforce water safety rules at home? Our very own CEO and fearless leader, Micha Seal, authored a children’s book, Water Safety Adventures with Slyce! This beautifully illustrated story features our Watermelon Swim characters practicing real-world water safety skills—and it’s the foundation of our Water Safety Week presentations. You can learn right alongside your little swimmer by picking up a copy in the Watermelon Patch retail shop at any of our locations. It’s the perfect way to keep the conversation going and support the lessons they’re practicing in class!

Let’s Grow a Community of Safer Swimmers – Together

Water Safety Month is the perfect time to refresh your family’s habits, start swim lessons, or share this knowledge with others. Whether you’re splashing in a backyard pool or heading to the beach, remember it only takes a moment for an emergency to happen, but the right preparation 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!