You’re at the seaside on a lovely sunny day with your little one. It’s sweltering, and you’re thinking it would be lovely to have a few minutes in the water to cool them down. But what are the rules about babies in outside water? Are they safe to go in rivers, lakes, and seas?

Swimming outside can be quite different from the safe and regulated indoor pool. Before you take your baby for a dip in the ocean, let’s make sure you’re prepared with the facts and information needed for a lovely day at the seaside.

Is my baby allowed in outside water?

Whilst there are no laws determining what age a baby can go into the sea, most paediatricians recommend waiting until your baby is at least 6 months old, or can hold their head up without support.

Where is the best spot in the water for me and my baby?

Choose a shallow spot where you can stand holding your child. It should ideally be calm and clean, so don’t go in if the waters are too choppy. Currents and waves can make it difficult for you to keep your footing and hold your baby at the same time.

What are some safety tips when in the water?

Here are a few great safety tips to make sure your baby is safe when you’re in the water:

Always keep a hold of your baby and make sure your feet are on solid ground. Even if you’re used to floating your baby in an indoor pool, keep them close to your body in outside water.

Keep your baby’s head clear above water. Swallowing outside water can lead to illnesses, as the baby's immune systems aren’t as developed as ours.

If you notice a swift undercurrent or flow, get out of the water. Do not let your baby or toddler near fast water.

Ideally, your baby should have a floatation device, so if they slip, they won’t fall underneath the water.

So, now we’ve looked at some safety tips when in seas, rivers, or lakes with your baby. But what about potential illnesses from the water?

Can my baby get ill from the water?

Swallowing water that has not been treated could lead to recreational water illnesses. This is a result of bacteria in the water from animal faeces, and a baby’s immune system isn’t developed enough to fight off the bacteria.

Symptoms of recreational water illnesses include:

Diarrhoea.

Ear pain.

Skin rashes.

Coughing.

Congestion.

Eye pain.

If you suspect your baby has contracted a recreational water illness, talk to your paediatrician.

Anything else to note about swimming outdoors?

Babies can’t regulate their temperature very well, especially if they’re less than 6 months old. Ideally, wait until they’re older before taking them into chilly water, even on a very sunny day.

Make sure your baby is wearing sunscreen, preferably a child-friendly version that accounts for skin sensitivity. Sunglasses and wide-brim hats can help them keep cool on a sunny summer’s day.

When can my baby go in seas, rivers, and lakes?

Unii explains when your baby can swim in natural waters.