When children want to learn to surf, the focus is equally on the fun of the sport and the safety of the young surfers. Find out here how water safety can be achieved for children during the surf course, but also at home, far away from the sea!
Water safety for children – overview
Water safety for children
Why is water safety important when surfing?
Water safety is crucial for children to minimise the risk of accidents – especially when surfing. Surfing is a fantastic sport that is not only fun for children, but also develops skills such as balance, coordination and teamwork. For safe surfing, children need to understand the dangers in the water early on and learn how to behave when things get tricky.
Water safety for children
Learn to surf safely with swim lessons and water familiarisation
Safety begins with structured learning: special surfing and swimming courses for children combine games and exercises in the water. Basic techniques and rules are taught. These courses not only promote swimming skills, but also provide a safe environment for children to gain experience in the water. Parents can also take part in water safety courses to better understand the topic of safety together with their children and build confidence in the water.
Water safety for children
The importance of safety and supervision
Children need constant supervision in the water. Their motor skills and risk behaviour are often not yet developed enough for them to assess their own limits well. And statistics show that drowning is one of the most common causes of accidents among children. Early water experiences such as swimming lessons and regular swimming help to build (self-)confidence.
Children who already know how to swim will then be more willing to try surfing. During the first “learn-to-swim”-levels children receive confirmation of their swimming skills. The self-confidence they gain in this way helps them to become more confident when surfing later on.
Water safety for children
Water safety tips for children
Constant supervision
Children should never be left unattended in the water, not even in shallow areas. Parents or surf coaches should also show them how to recognise and avoid danger zones.
Use life jackets
Life jackets and aids are compulsory for non-swimmers. Young swimmers also benefit from the additional safety. Parents should always check the water and current conditions before surfing.
Observe beach flags
The flag system on beaches signals the water conditions. If a red flag is flying, children should not go into the water or should only do so accompanied by a trained surf coach, as it is dangerous.
Water safety for children
How to teach children to surf
Preparation through swimming lessons
Children should know how to swim before surfing. Safe handling of water is a basic prerequisite for mastering the surfboard in waves. Courses that prepare children for surfing in open waters are ideal, such as the YOUSWIM course, which offers practical exercises in a realistic environment.
Parents as role models
Children are strongly orientated towards their parents. Joint trips into the water or small practice sessions on the surfboard motivate children and strengthen their confidence at the same time. A shared surfing experience can deepen the bond between parents and children.
Water safety for children
The right safety equipment
To avoid injury, children should be properly equipped when surfing. In addition to a wetsuit, this includes helmets, life jackets (especially for young and unsure swimmers) and – if necessary – neoprene shoes. This equipment provides children with the best possible protection, especially in unfamiliar waters.
It is important that children only surf on supervised beaches where lifeguards can intervene quickly in an emergency. The same applies here: buoyancy aids do not offer complete protection; constant supervision remains necessary. Parents should regularly check the functionality of the equipment to ensure the safety of their children.
Water safety for children
Overcoming the fear of water
Positive water experiences, such as parent-child courses, promote children’s confidence and comfort in the water. Children who are a little more anxious can be helped by gently introducing them to deeper water.
Parents or surf coaches can start with their children in shallow water and slowly work their way into deeper areas. Gradually exploring the water reduces anxiety and builds confidence. Playful exercises and water games also offer a good opportunity to experience the water as a positive environment.
Water safety for children
Why water safety is so important when learning to surf
Water safety for children is essential when surfing. With appropriate safety measures, supervision and the right equipment, children can learn to surf safely and enjoy it. Regular refresher courses raise awareness of water safety and help to recognise potential risks at an early stage. Parents who are actively involved in their children’s water safety create the conditions for water activities to be positive and safe experiences.