06/08/2026
TikTok and Instagram are teeming with parenting hacks. But when it comes to water safety, some trending ideas can actually be dangerous. Hereβs what you should avoid this summer:
β Tethers tied to boats, whether homemade or restrictive
β Inflatable "floaties" or arm bands
β Mermaid tails and other restrictive swimming toys
What truly keeps kids safe?
β
Life jackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard
β
Adult supervision
β
Stay updated with CPR training and certification
Those trends may look cute in a video, but they often create false security and put kids at serious risk of drowning. A mermaid tail that looked adorable in a photo could flip your child face down in seconds. Floaties give parents a false sense of security while offering zero actual protection.
This summer, skip the viral trends and stick with what actually saves lives. For more tips on how to keep your child safe, visit our website in the comments to learn more!