Common Water Safety & Swimming Myths (Debunked!)

When it comes to swimming and water safety, misinformation can be dangerous. Whether you're a parent, swimmer, or swim teacher, understanding the truth behind common myths can help save lives and support better aquatic learning. Let’s dive into 10 myths that need busting—along with the facts.

Myth 1: If a child can swim, they don’t need supervision.

Reality:
Even strong swimmers can get into trouble, especially in open water or under unexpected conditions like fatigue, cramps, or sudden panic. Supervision—especially of children—should always be close, constant, and distraction-free. The reality is that things can happen to anyone and the best option is to always have focused, competent safety supervision.

Myth 2: Drowning looks like splashing and shouting.

Reality:
Most drownings are frighteningly silent. A drowning person typically can’t call for help or wave their arms—they’re focused on trying to get the next breathe. One of the focuses for Lifeguard training is to identify signs of drowning even before an individual gets into trouble.

Myth 3: Floaties and inflatable toys keep kids safe.

Reality:
Floaties can give a false sense of security and often position a child vertically where they can slip out or tip over. Thats not to say they are bad, far from it. Inflatable toys and floaties can be a great exploration and discovery based learning tool. They can also help us enjoy the water in a relaxed and casual way that allows for kids to build a connection with water. They are defiantly NOT a safety device.  

Myth 4: Learning to swim is only for kids.

Reality:
Adults can—and should—learn to swim too. It’s never too late to build water confidence and safety skills. Adult swim programs are growing in popularity and tailored for beginners of all ages. Adult programs should be tailored to the needs of adults so they get the most value and enjoyment out of them.

Myth 5: You only need swimming lessons to learn strokes.

Reality:
Swimming lessons should also teach water safety, breath control, floating, treading water, and survival skills. Technique is important, but the ability to stay calm, float, and call for help can be life-saving. An unfortunate development in many programs has been a focus on ‘stroke’ but great programs focus on foundational skills that develop a students understanding of the water and their body so that learning strokes becomes a simple progression.

Myth 6: It’s not safe to swim right after eating.

Reality:
There’s no evidence that eating before swimming causes cramps or increases drowning risk. A large, heavy meal might slow you down or feel uncomfortable, but there's no need to wait 30 minutes to swim.

Myth 7: You’re safe if you can swim 25 meters.

Reality:
Being able to swim a short distance in calm water doesn't guarantee safety in real-world scenarios—like currents, waves, cold water, or swimming fully clothed. In fact being able to swim 1000 meters doesn’t guarantee safety. Survival skills and adaptability to conditions are key to water safety.

Myth 8: Chlorine kills all germs instantly.

Reality:
Chlorine is a common and great (when used correctly) pool sanitise agent that helps control bacteria and viruses, it doesn't work immediately or kill everything. Water filtration plays a big part in keeping swimming pool water clean, but Swimmers should avoid swallowing water, shower before entering pools, and never swim when sick—especially with gastrointestinal illness to help keep pools as clean and safe as possible.

Myth 9: Open water swimming is just like pool swimming.

Reality:
Open water CAN be just like in a pool but it introduces so many variables like waves, tides, visibility, and water temperature. Even experienced pool swimmers need extra preparation and caution before swimming in oceans, rivers, or lakes. These variables are what makes open water swimming so interesting and fun. If you have not tried it we recommend finding a group in your area that can guide you through local conditions and help prepare you. Swimming with groups is also one of the best parts of open water.

Myth 10: Once you’ve learned to swim, you don’t need more lessons.

Reality:
Swimming is a skill that benefits from ongoing refinement. Technique, endurance, and safety skills evolve with regular practice. Just like any sport, swimmers improve with coaching, feedback, and updated safety knowledge.

Final Thoughts:

Water confidence comes from understanding and skill—not myths. Whether you’re teaching, learning, or just enjoying time in the water, staying informed is one of the best ways to stay safe. Share this post with swimmers, teachers, and parents in your community—you never know whose life it might help.

Cheers