When it comes to parenting, even the simplest habits can carry hidden risks. One mom and swim expert, Nikki Scarnatii, is shedding light on a common mistake parents make with their kids at the pool.
Nikki, a certified ISR swim instructor and water safety advocate, took to TikTok to share a potentially life-saving tip about drying kids after swimming. Known by her handle @scarnati.swim, the 32-year-old mom revealed a routine many parents follow without a second thought—but one that could be dangerous.
“I used to do this myself without realizing it was a thing,” she admitted in her video. Nikki demonstrated the typical way parents dry off their kids: wrapping the towel around their shoulders and hugging them snugly.
@scarnati.swim Thats right! Make sure your towel is UNDER your littles arms. NOT on top. Follow along for more water safety content 🥰 #selfrescue #selfrescueswimming #selfrescueswim #watersafety #drowningpreventionawareness #drowningprevention #springhillisr ♬ original sound – Nikki Scarnati
But here’s the problem: if a child accidentally falls into the pool with the towel draped this way, their arms could be trapped underneath, leaving them unable to use their limbs to push up or swim.
Instead, Nikki offers a safer alternative. “Dry their arms off first,” she explained, “then lift their arms up and wrap the towel under their arms, not over.” This simple adjustment ensures the child can move freely if they end up in the water again.
Her advice struck a chord with parents online. One viewer shared their own frightening experience: “When I was 2, I fell into a pool with my towel wrapped around my arms. I had to be rescued.”
Another commented, “This makes so much sense! Plus, if they trip, they can catch themselves before hitting the ground.”
While some noted the advice is most relevant when kids are near the pool, Nikki’s tip is a helpful reminder to stay vigilant about water safety.
This isn’t the first time Nikki has made waves on social media. In another viral video, she warned parents about choosing the wrong swimwear colors for their children.
Using her own daughter as an example, Nikki highlighted how blue bathing suits can make kids nearly invisible in the water. “Look at how hard it is to see her under the water,” she pointed out, even in calm conditions. “Now imagine a busy pool with kids splashing everywhere.”
@scarnati.swim Just dont do it! Why think about which bathing suits for the splash pad? Just buy bright ones!! ☀️☀️ #selfrescue #selfrescueswimming #selfrescueswim #watersafety #drowningpreventionawareness #springhillisd ♬ original sound – Nikki Scarnati
Her advice? Opt for bright, contrasting colors that stand out in the water.
From towels to swimwear, Nikki’s insights are simple but impactful reminders that small changes can make a big difference in keeping kids safe around water.
What do you think of Nikki’s tips? Share this with fellow parents and help spread the word!
