I Will Wait
Some safety habits are so important they should be as automatic as looking both ways before crossing the street. I Will Wait, written by water safety advocate Nicole Fairfield, teaches one of the most essential habits in swimming, always waiting for an adult’s permission before entering any body of water.
This simple act can mean the difference between a safe, happy swim and a dangerous situation. Through vibrant illustrations and clear, repetitive storytelling, the book introduces water safety for kids in a way that’s easy to understand and remember. Children see peers in the story modeling the behavior, whether they’re at a busy pool, a sunny beach, or a quiet lakeside, reinforcing the importance of safety rules everywhere.
Nicole’s message is clear: no matter how excited a child may be to jump in, they should pause, look to their trusted adult, and wait for the signal that it’s safe. It’s a small step that can prevent big risks, making this book an invaluable tool for families, swim instructors, and schools.
Teaching Children to Wait Before Swimming
Patience isn’t always easy for little ones, especially when the water looks so inviting. That’s why I Will Wait focuses on teaching children to wait before swimming in a way that feels natural and achievable. The story follows different children in a variety of settings, from lively swim classes to family beach outings, each showing the same safe choice: staying put until their parent, caregiver, or instructor gives the go-ahead.
The bright illustrations make it easy for kids to understand the scenario, and the repetitive phrasing ensures the message sticks. Whether they’re on the sand, the dock, or the edge of a pool, children see that the rule is always the same.
By weaving this message into everyday situations, the book also promotes pool safety without overwhelming children with too many instructions at once. Instead, it gives them one clear, memorable habit to follow, one that can grow into a lifelong instinct around water.
From Beaches to Backyard Pools – A Universal Safety Habit
Water safety isn’t just for the swimming pool, it’s a skill that applies everywhere, from sunny ocean days to family trips by the lake. In I Will Wait, Nicole Fairfield shows children how the same safety rules apply whether they’re enjoying beach safety under a bright blue sky, wading near a calm lakeshore, or spending an afternoon at a neighborhood pool.
By featuring different children in diverse settings, the story reinforces that waiting for an adult’s permission is not a situational rule, it’s a universal one. This consistency helps kids understand that water, no matter where it is, should always be approached with care and respect.
Parents and instructors can use these examples to start conversations about how water conditions change depending on the environment, but the habit remains the same: pause, look for your trusted adult, and wait for their signal.
Whether the backdrop is waves, a dock, or a diving board, this single habit can help children enjoy every aquatic adventure with confidence and safety.
Small Steps, Big Impact – How Waiting Prevents Drowning
Sometimes, the simplest rules make the biggest difference. In I Will Wait, Nicole Fairfield turns the act of pausing before entering the water into one of the most effective drowning prevention tips a parent can teach. By showing children exactly what safe behavior looks like, the book helps them form habits for preschoolers that can last a lifetime.
This habit is not just about following instructions, it’s about creating a pause that allows parents or caregivers to check the water, assess conditions, and ensure a safe environment. Alongside the book’s engaging illustrations, parents can share their own safety tips, explaining why waiting matters and how it protects against unseen risks.
By practicing this every time, a child is near water, the action becomes second nature. Over time, kids won’t need to be reminded, they’ll instinctively wait until an adult says “go.” And in those crucial seconds, lives can be saved.
A Resource for Parents, Instructors, and Swim Schools
I Will Wait isn’t just a story, it’s a practical tool that works in homes, classrooms, and at the pool. For a swim school, it can be a fun and effective way to introduce safety habits to new students. Instructors can read it aloud before class, giving children a clear visual of what waiting for permission looks like before they even step into the water.
A swimming instructor can also use the book as part of group lessons, reinforcing the message each time the class gathers at the water’s edge. Its simple language and relatable scenarios make it easy for children to connect the dots between story time and real-life behavior.
For parents, I Will Wait fits perfectly into parenting safety guides as a gentle yet firm introduction to supervision rules. It’s also a valuable part of broader teaching resources for preschools, safety programs, and community swim initiatives.
By combining professional guidance with at-home reinforcement, this book helps children hear the same message from every trusted adult in their life, making it far more likely to become a lifelong habit.
Making Safety Rules Fun to Learn
For safety habits to stick, they need to be taught in a way children enjoy, and I Will Wait does exactly that. By using colorful illustrations and friendly, relatable characters, it transforms swimming rules into something memorable and fun. Kids see peers in the story modeling safe behavior and naturally want to do the same.
Unlike dry instruction manuals, this book is part of a growing collection of engaging safety books that combine important lessons with playful storytelling. It’s not just telling kids what to do, it’s showing them why it matters, in a way that makes sense to their world.
Parents, teachers, and instructors can use I Will Wait as one of their go-to resources for kids when introducing water safety. The book can be read before a swim day, at bedtime, or as part of a classroom lesson, making the message easy to revisit and reinforce.
By making safety approachable and fun, I Will Wait helps ensure that the lessons children learn aren’t just heard, they’re remembered and applied every time they’re near the water.
Building Trust, Confidence, and Respect for the Water
Before a child can master strokes or swim long distances, they need a foundation built on trust and safe habits. I Will Wait plays a key role in this early stage, making it an ideal companion for beginner swimming programs and learn-to-swim lessons.
By showing children that waiting for an adult’s permission is part of the process, the book teaches that safety comes first, always. This understanding builds a respectful relationship with the water, one that will serve them well as they advance in skill.
For training for children, the book offers a clear, consistent message that’s easy to integrate into both formal swim instruction and at-home practice. It ensures that kids don’t just learn techniques, they learn to approach every swim with awareness, patience, and confidence.
With I Will Wait, children see that safety isn’t about limiting their fun, it’s about protecting their opportunity to enjoy the water for a lifetime.
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About Nicole Fairfield – Turning a Childhood Experience into a Lifesaving Mission
Nicole Fairfield is a passionate water safety advocate and the author of beloved children’s books I Can Float, I Can Put My Face In, and I Will Wait. With over 20 years of experience teaching swimming since 2000, Nicole has dedicated her life to ensuring that every child has the knowledge, skills, and swimming confidence needed to stay safe in and around the water.
Her mission began with a life-changing event at just three years old, a near-drowning incident from which she was rescued by her aunt. That moment shaped her commitment to water safety, inspiring her to share the importance of vigilance, awareness, and early learning with families everywhere.
Through her writing, Nicole combines engaging storytelling with essential safety lessons, creating resources for children that are both fun and practical. She believes that learning to float and feel comfortable in the water can save lives and open the door to joyful aquatic experiences. When she isn’t teaching or writing, Nicole enjoys family time, outdoor adventures, and advocating for safer swimming communities.
Her work continues to inspire parents, educators, and young swimmers, proving that every splash can be both joyful and safe.
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