Water Safety

Topic: Swimming — Subject: Movement (Age 8, Kenya)

Learn how to stay safe near water. This page helps you know what to do at the pool, the beach, rivers and lakes in Kenya.

Objectives
  • Know 6 simple water safety rules.
  • Learn easy float steps.
  • Know what to do if someone needs help.
Where to be careful
  • Beaches (Indian Ocean) — watch tides and waves 🌊
  • Lakes (like Lake Victoria) — deep water and currents 🌅
  • Rivers — strong currents and slippery rocks 🪨
Top Water Safety Rules (remember them!)
  1. Always swim with an adult or a lifeguard. Never swim alone. 👩‍👧‍👦
  2. Wear a life jacket when on a boat or if you are not a strong swimmer. 🛟
  3. Ask permission before you go near water — an adult checks first. ✅
  4. Check the place: no nets, fishing hooks, deep holes or strong currents. 🚫
  5. No running near the pool — the edge is slippery. 🏃‍♂️➡️⚠️
  6. Stay away from wild animals (crocodiles, hippos) near water. Give them space. 🐊🦛
  7. Swim in daylight and when the water looks calm. ☀️
Before You Swim — Quick Checklist
  • ☐ Ask an adult's permission
  • ☐ Put on a life jacket if needed
  • ☐ Find a lifeguard or an adult watching
  • ☐ Look for signs and flags (red flag = danger)
  • ☐ Remove shoes and sharp items
What To Do While You Swim
  • Stay where the adult can see you.
  • Keep shoulders above water if you are not a good swimmer.
  • Use floats or life jackets when on a boat or near deep water.
  • Leave the water if you hear thunder or see lightning.
Simple Floating Steps (Try with an adult)
  1. Find calm, shallow water with an adult near.
  2. Take a deep breath and lie on your back gently. Head back so ears touch water. 🌊
  3. Stretch your arms and legs wide — make a star. Keep your stomach up. ✨
  4. Look up at the sky and breathe slowly. Count 1...2...3... then breathe out. Repeat.
  5. If you feel tired, float and call an adult. They will help. 🙋
You floating
Calm water — lie back, star arms and legs.
If Someone Is in Trouble

Do these steps and ask an adult to help:

  1. Shout for help — get a lifeguard or many adults. 📣
  2. Reach or throw, don’t go: Use a long stick, oar, rope or life ring and pull them in. Throw a float or bottle. 🪢🛟
  3. Call emergency — dial 999 or 112 in Kenya. Tell the adult where you are. ☎️
  4. If the person is out of the water, an adult or a trained rescuer will check breathing and give first aid.

Never jump in to rescue someone unless you are trained. You could get into danger too.

Kenyan Tips
  • At beaches, swim where lifeguards watch and avoid strong waves.
  • On boats, always wear a life jacket and sit still when the boat moves.
  • At lakes and rivers, don't swim near fishing nets or where signs say no entry.
  • Do not swim near rocks or where you can’t touch the bottom if you are learning.
Short Quiz (ask an adult)
  1. Should you ever swim alone? (Yes / No)
  2. What should you wear on a boat if you cannot swim well? (_____)
  3. If someone is drowning, should you jump straight in if you don’t know how to rescue? (Yes / No)
Answers
  1. No — always swim with an adult or a lifeguard.
  2. A life jacket (or float). 🛟
  3. No — use reach or throw, and call for help. 📣

Keep these rules in your head whenever you play near water. Stay safe and have fun learning to swim! 🏊‍♀️


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