What practice is recommended for promoting water safety in early childhood?

Supervising bath time is an essential practice for promoting water safety in early childhood because it ensures that children are monitored closely while they are in or around water. Young children can drown in just a few inches of water, making direct supervision crucial. Being present during bath time allows caregivers to quickly respond to any situations that may arise, ensuring the child's safety.

In contrast, other options are not aligned with recommended water safety practices. Encouraging solo swimming can place a child at significant risk, as they may not have the skills or awareness needed to be safe without an adult present. Installing a splash pad could be fun and engaging but does not eliminate the need for constant adult supervision, especially for younger children. Similarly, using floaties without supervision may give a false sense of security, as floaties do not guarantee a child’s safety in the water if they encounter issues. Hence, the practice of supervising bath time stands out as the most effective method for promoting safety around water in early childhood.