Practice man overboard and capsize drills

What can we use if an approved life jacket or a throw bag/flotation ring is hard to find?

Use a Coast Guard–approved or equivalent snug PFD that fits the child's chest and, for a throw bag or flotation ring, ask the adult to bring a rescue throw line or buoyant rescue cushion rather than inflatable toys.

What should we do if the child keeps losing grip on the flotation aid or struggles to stay level in the water?

Have the adult confirm the snug approved life jacket fits properly, practice the step 'If you are in the water reach out and grab the flotation aid' and 'Hold the flotation aid securely with both hands' in the calm shallow practice area, and use gentle kicking to stay level.

How can we adapt these drills for different age groups?

For toddlers, keep the adult in the water in the calm shallow practice area and focus on 'put on a snug approved life jacket', pointing at the spot, and grabbing the flotation aid with close help, while older kids can practice tossing the throw bag, shouting 'Man overboard', and using the grab handle or rescue rope to slide back aboard.

How can we extend or personalize the man overboard and capsize practice?

Time and video each drill, attach a waterproof whistle to the snug approved life jacket, vary throw distances with the throw bag or flotation ring, and finish by sharing what you practiced and how you rescued or reboarded on DIY.org.