Summer is all about sunshine, splashing, and family fun, but if you have young children, water safety is a top priority. Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death in young children, and it can happen quickly and silently, even in shallow water. The good news is that with the right precautions, water play can be both safe and enjoyable.

Water Safety Tips

Here are essential tips to help keep your little ones safe around pools, beaches, splash pads, and other water areas this summer:

1. Never Leave a Child Unattended Around Water

This is rule number one for a reason. Always maintain touch supervision—stay within arm’s reach of your child at all times. Even if they’re wearing floatation devices or are just playing on the steps, accidents can happen in seconds.

2. Install Barriers and Alarms

Pools should be completely enclosed with a four-sided fence that is at least 4 feet high and has a self-latching gate. Pool alarms and door alarms that alert you when someone enters the area can provide an added layer of safety.

3. Avoid Distractions

It’s easy to get distracted by phones, conversations, or other children, but when your little one is near water, your full attention is the most important safety tool you have.

At parties or gatherings, consider assigning a "Water Watcher": a responsible adult whose only job is to supervise children in and around the water.

4. Skip the Floaties; Use Coast Guard-Approved Life Jackets

Inflatable arm floaties or rings can give a false sense of security and aren’t reliable safety devices. If your child isn’t a strong swimmer, use a properly fitted life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard.

5. Teach Water Familiarity, Not Just Swimming Lessons

While formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning, they are not a substitute for supervision. For young children, focus on water comfort and basic safety skills like floating, kicking, putting their face in the water, and safely entering and exiting the pool.

6. Empty Small Pools and Buckets When Not in Use

Even a few inches of water in a kiddie pool, bucket, or bathtub can pose a drowning risk. (And a breeding ground for mosquitoes!) Always drain and store small water containers when they’re not being actively supervised.

7. Learn CPR

In the event of an emergency, knowing how to perform CPR can be life-saving. Many local organizations and hospitals offer quick, affordable courses for parents and caregivers.

Peninsula Locations to Splash and Cool Off

Looking for ways to beat the heat while keeping safety in mind? Here are some family-friendly Peninsula destinations where young children can enjoy water play.

Parks and Outdoor Water Play

Parkside Aquatic Park (San Mateo)
This hidden gem features a sandy swimming lagoon with a roped-off swim area, a small playground, and beach-like surroundings. Parents should note that there are no lifeguards on duty, so close supervision is essential.

Coyote Point Recreation Area (San Mateo)
A longtime favorite for Peninsula families, Coyote Point combines the famous Magic Mountain Playground with shoreline access, picnic areas, and plenty of space to explore. It’s a great place for supervised water play and a full day outdoors.

Stafford Park (Redwood City)
Stafford Park features a large snail-shaped spray feature that is popular with toddlers and preschoolers. The park also offers separate play areas for toddlers and older children, plenty of open space, and shady areas.

Magical Bridge Playground in Red Morton Park (Redwood City)
This award-winning inclusive play space is designed for children of all ages and abilities. Young children especially love the sensory water-play features, interactive music installations, slides, swings, and imaginative play areas. 

Note: Ryder Park has been a popular splash-pad destination, featuring ground-level water sprays next to a playground and picnic area. However the splash pad is currently closed for filtration upgrades. The park is still a great destination for its playground and shoreline setting.

Public Pools with Kiddie or Shallow Pools

San Bruno Recreation and Aquatic Center (San Bruno)
One of the Peninsula's premier aquatic facilities, featuring family recreation swim opportunities and water-play amenities designed with children in mind.

Burlingame Aquatic Club (Burlingame)
A modern aquatic center offering recreation swim times and shallow-water areas suitable for younger swimmers building confidence in the water.

Burgess Pool (Menlo Park)
A favorite among local families, Burgess Pool offers family swim sessions and shallow-water areas, along with easy access to a playground and park, making it ideal for a summer outing.

Belle Haven Pool (Menlo Park)
This community pool provides a welcoming environment for children who are learning water skills and becoming comfortable in the pool.

Rinconada Pool (Palo Alto)
Recently renovated and family-friendly, Rinconada Pool offers recreation swim opportunities in their fantastic kids’ play pool, and is surrounded by a park and playgound.

Before You Go

Pool schedules, recreation swim hours, admission policies, and seasonal water features can change throughout the summer. Be sure to check each facility's website before visiting.

Final Thoughts
Water play is one of the joys of childhood, but it comes with serious responsibility. Whether you're spending the afternoon in a backyard kiddie pool, visiting a local aquatic center, or exploring one of the Peninsula's waterfront parks, active supervision is the key to keeping children safe. With the right safety measures in place, your family can enjoy a summer full of splashes, smiles, and peace of mind.

Stay safe, cool, and have a great summer!