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More Safety, More Fun at the Lake Begins with Responsibility – and a Child’s First Step into the Water
Summer, sun, lake – it sounds like freedom and fun for the whole family. But these carefree moments can turn dangerous if water safety is underestimated. In Germany alone, around 20% of elementary school children are considered non-swimmers – a figure that should be a wake-up call. More safety means more fun at the lake – not restriction, but confidence – in your own abilities and those of your children. That’s why RESTUBE, together with strong partners like gwt GmbH and the “Deutschland Schwimmt” Foundation, supports sustainable initiatives that start early – with education, hands-on support, and the goal: Every child should learn to swim safely.
Why Water Safety Is About More Than Just the “Seepferdchen” Badge
Many parents know the moment: their children proudly show off their “Seepferdchen”(aka seahorse) badge – an important milestone on the road to swimming. The Seepferdchen, however, is not a guarantee of swimming safety. It only confirms that a child can stay afloat for a short distance in a controlled environment. In open water, with waves, currents, or sudden depth, these basic skills often aren’t enough. True water safety comes through regular practice, deeper technical understanding, and the confidence to handle unexpected situations. RESTUBE raises awareness – not to instill fear, but to empower parents.
The Seepferdchen Is Just the Beginning – Swimming Ability Requires More
Many kids with a Seepferdchen badge panic when faced with small challenges. No surprise – they often lack practical experience. Safe swimming is a process that doesn’t end with a certificate. Instead, children should be encouraged through regular water time, playful activities, and training incentives. Knowing how to react in emergencies – staying calm, calling for help, floating – is just as important. RESTUBE supports programs that teach this knowledge in an age-appropriate way. Parents play a key role – as motivators, safety nets, and role models.
Start Early: How Water Acclimatization Makes Even Babies Safer
Water acclimatization is a child’s first contact with water – and an essential foundation for future swimming skills. Even babies benefit from positive water experiences: it supports motor development, strengthens balance, and builds trust. Whether it’s splashing in the tub or attending a baby swim class – every moment counts. Young children learn through pouring, diving, and gliding how water feels and how to move in it. RESTUBE recommends: make water a familiar place from the beginning – not just safe, but fun and filled with connection.
How We Can Raise the Safe Swimmers of Tomorrow – Together
It takes more than parental will to create lasting water safety. Swim lessons in schools are no longer a given, pools are closing, and access to water is getting harder. This is where projects like “More Safety, More Fun at the Lake” step in – bringing together communities, clubs, schools, and families. RESTUBE contributes not just safety expertise, but also a strong network. Because safety isn’t a solo task – it works best when shared. Every contribution counts: from raising awareness and providing support to simply deciding to swim more often with your children.
5 Playful Core Skills That Make Kids Stronger in the Water
Safe swimming doesn’t start with the breaststroke – but with five simple, essential skills:
✔ Jumping into the water without fear – builds trust.
✔ Diving for objects – improves breath control and body coordination.
✔ Floating on the back – provides confidence through calm.
✔ Exhaling underwater – prevents panic.
✔ Gliding with body tension – lays the foundation for swimming techniques.
These skills can be taught in a playful way – by parents and instructors alike. Diving games, small challenges, races on mats or through hoops – all turn learning into adventure. RESTUBE shares tips and tutorials to help develop these skills even outside of swim classes.
All Pulling Together – Why Schools, Parents, and Partners Must Join Forces
Helping kids become confident swimmers is a team effort. Schools are often overwhelmed, and swim instructors are scarce – which is why parents must take the lead. Partners like RESTUBE support with expertise, materials, and collaborations. Initiatives like “More Safety, More Fun at the Lake” show how local efforts can make a big impact – with sponsorships, funding, and creative ideas. That’s how parents become coaches, teachers become mentors, and communities become enablers. Plus, practical tools are already available:
✔ Check out the video “The Water and Me” – a heartfelt invitation for kids to discover the element of water. You can download it here.
✔ Also available: the swimming guide for water acclimatization and the Water Experience Academy Booklet – full of tips and adventures for little water heroes.
✔ Just download, dive in together – and explore safely with RESTUBE.
More Freedom and Safety in the Water with RESTUBE
The good news: It’s never too early – and rarely too late – to start with water acclimatization and swim training. RESTUBE stands by everyone who wants to help kids enjoy a safe future in the water. The compact, inflatable safety buoys offer added protection – not as a substitute for swimming, but as a smart companion. They fit in any bag, are ready in seconds, and give parents and children greater peace of mind. Because feeling safe means having the freedom to thrive – and that’s what swimming is all about: freedom, courage, and fun with safety.
A project of the StarnbergAmmersee region and at the Germany Swims Foundation
