Nobody with small children should be relying on lifeguards. If they're not old enough to swim and make good decisions, they need specialized attention. It's abs

Nobody with small children should be relying on lifeguards. If they're not old enough to swim and make good decisions, they need specialized attention. It's absolutely mindblowing to me how many parents I see at the pool strap some swimmies on their young child and just let them go while they're engrossed in their phone. As at least one other poster has mentioned, let them fall in the pool while supervised and pull them out within a few seconds. Usually they gain a healthy fear of the water from that. Then take them in with you afterwards so they can see it's fun when it's with you. Also, starting swim lessons shortly after they can walk or run is a good idea.