What this water safety skill is
Signalling for help means raising one arm, waving it side to side and calling out, all while staying afloat. It sounds easy, but lifting an arm out of the water pushes the body down. So your child has to keep treading water or floating while they do it.
It comes after treading water and swimming in clothes. Your child also learns when to signal: early, not once they are exhausted. Once help is coming, the job is to stay afloat, keep breathing and wait. Next comes putting it all together, from jumping in to climbing out.
Why it matters
Help comes sooner.
A clear wave and call tell people nearby that something is wrong.
Signalling early matters.
Your child learns to ask for help while they still have the energy to stay up.
Staying up while waiting.
Floating or treading while signalling keeps your child safe until help arrives.
Who it is for
Children, teens, adults and older adults who can tread water or float on their back in deep water. Children learn a simple wave and a loud call. If you are learning as an adult or an older adult, signalling while floating on your back often takes less effort than treading.
While in the water
The goal
Your child treads water or floats in deep water, raises one arm, waves it side to side and calls out loudly. Between calls, they keep their face clear, breathe and stay afloat until help reaches them.
