Resources for educators and parents to help kids stay safe around water

Parents, teachers and caregivers can all play an important role in keeping children safe when they are in, on or around water. Drowning is preventable. Through education, we can help children enjoy the water safely this summer.
Young child swimming underwater, smiling
The Red Cross has put together a series of educational resources on water safety intended for both children and those who care for them.  
 
Water safety quizzes
Whether you are looking for rainy day activities or engaging material that students can do from a classroom or at home, the following resources are intended to build children’s water safety IQ, while keeping them entertained.

These interactive quizzes created by Red Cross water safety experts are now available on KahootThe quizzes are a great way for educators to deliver interactive, game-based learning sessions that will test participants' knowledge and provide helpful tips and safe practices to incorporate into daily life. Plus any chance kids get to compete against their friends will get them excited and engaged no matter the content.
 
Create an account on Kahoot! or use your existing account to access Red Cross water safety quizzes.Pool with two yellow rubber duckies floating on surface Topics include:     
Downloadable activity sheets
Check out our downloadable colouring and activity sheets.
Colour the picture of our water safety mascot Buckles and share the image on Instagram tagging @redcrosscanada and hashtag #LifeJacketLiving.
 
Lifejackets, PFDs and staying safe on the water
Wearing a lifejacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe on the water. Learn about how to properly choose and wear a lifejacket or PFD.
Watch this video from the International Water Safety Foundation featuring Shelley Dalke, a water safety expert from the Canadian Red Cross.
Shelley and Dr. Angela Beale-Tawfeeq discuss the importance of lifejackets, PFDs, and access to water safety resources. Run time: 41 mins. 


 
Additional resources:
Drowning research by the Canadian Red Cross
 

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