With the summer sun just around the corner, many of us are dreaming of poolside fun and relaxing holidays. As you get ready for those enjoyable times, one essential piece of advice can ensure your children stay safe at the pool.

Swimming instructor and water safety advocate Nikki Scarnati recently shared some important tips on how to properly wrap a towel around a child after swimming. This seemingly small adjustment could make a significant difference in their safety.

Certified ISR swim instructor Nikki Scarnati revealed in a TikTok video that the common method of draping a towel over a child’s shoulders might not be as safe as we think.

Nikki explains that if a child wrapped in this way accidentally falls into the water, their arms are pinned down by the wet towel, making it difficult for them to swim or rescue themselves.

To make towel wrapping safer, Nikki recommends drying the child’s arms first. Then, have them raise their arms and wrap the towel around them—similar to how adults dry off after a shower. This method ensures that their arms remain free, providing them the ability to move and self-rescue if they fall into the pool.

One viewer shared their own experience, stating, “I can confirm this is true. When I was two, I fell into the deep end of a rec pool with my towel around my arms and had to be rescued.”

Another parent commented, “Also if they trip, they can catch themselves before hitting the ground.”

Another innovative suggestion came from a parent who said, “That’s a great idea! I bought my son an oversized towel hoodie so his arms stay covered but he’s got mobility.”

When asked about children who tend to move their towels back onto their shoulders if they feel cold, Nikki advised, “You can wrap it and tuck it in the back so they can still move. Or opt for a different style towel or a Teri cloth towel robe.”

Following this simple yet effective tip may save lives and help make this summer a safe and enjoyable one for everyone. Happy holidays!