Freddy the Fox Learns to Stay Safe Around Water - A Children's Story

Freddy the Fox Learns to Stay Safe Around Water

By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral of the Story:

Water can be fun, but it must always be respected. Never go swimming alone or without a grown-up nearby. Even strong animals can get tired or pulled away by currents. Before you splash, make sure the water is safe and someone is watching. Being careful isn’t being scared; it’s being smart. Stay close, stay alert, and you’ll stay safe. The bravest swimmers are the ones who know when to wait. Safety first, adventure next, that’s how smart kids (and foxes) play!

In the meadow by Silver Stream lived a young fox named Freddy.
Freddy was clever, quick, and loved to explore. Every morning, he’d dash through tall grass, leap over logs, and chase butterflies in the sunshine.

One afternoon, while following a frog’s croak, Freddy came across a sparkling blue pond. The water shimmered like a mirror under the sun.

“Wow!” Freddy said. “That looks like fun! I bet I can swim like the ducks.”

He dipped a paw into the water; it felt cool and refreshing. “Maybe I’ll just jump in!”

But before he could, his friend Molly the Mole popped her head out of a nearby hole.
“Freddy! You can’t just jump in! You don’t even know how deep it is!”

Freddy laughed. “Oh, it’s fine! I’m Freddy the Fast; I can do anything!”

Molly frowned. “Fast doesn’t mean safe.”

Freddy shrugged. “I’ll be careful.”

Just then, his mom’s voice called from behind, “Freddy Fox! What are you doing near the pond without me?”

Freddy froze. “I was just…looking!”

Mom walked over and smiled gently. “It’s good to be curious, but water can be dangerous if you don’t know how to swim. The pond might look calm, but you don’t know what’s underneath or how deep it goes.”

Freddy looked down. “I just wanted to see if I could do it.”

Mom knelt beside him. “There’s nothing wrong with wanting to learn, but you must learn the right way. I’ll teach you safely, just like the otters taught their pups.”

The next day, Mom took Freddy to the shallow end of the stream. “This is where we’ll start,” she said. “It’s shallow, slow, and safe.”

At first, Freddy was nervous. The water felt strange on his paws, and every splash made him flinch. But Mom stayed beside him the whole time.

“See?” she said. “When you’re with someone who can help, you don’t have to be scared.”

They practiced dipping paws, paddling gently, and floating on their backs. Freddy learned that moving too fast made him tired, and calm, steady kicks kept him afloat.

“Hey!” Freddy laughed. “I’m swimming!”

Mom smiled. “You’re learning—and doing it safely.”

A few days later, Freddy saw his friends playing by the river. Benny the Beaver was diving, Sally the Squirrel was splashing, and everyone was laughing.

“Come on, Freddy!” They called. “Jump in!”

Freddy walked to the edge, but then he remembered what Mom said:

“Never swim where the water is fast or deep. And never swim without an adult.”

He looked at the rushing water and shook his head. “Not this time, guys. I’ll wait until Mom or Mr. Beaver can watch.”

His friends were surprised, but Freddy stood tall. “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

That weekend, Freddy and his mom went swimming together in the shallow stream again. He practiced his kicks, learned how to float longer, and even helped a baby bunny cross safely to the other side.

Mom beamed. “I’m proud of you, Freddy. You’re becoming a smart, strong swimmer.”

Freddy smiled. “And a safe one!”

Later that night, as the fireflies twinkled above the water, Freddy whispered,
“I’ll always respect the water. Because being careful keeps me brave.”

And from that day forward, whenever he saw the river glisten in the sunlight, Freddy grinned, because he knew the best kind of adventure is the one you come home from safe and sound.

Poem:

The water shines; it calls your name.
But safety first; it’s not a game.
If you can’t swim, stay near the land.
Hold tight to Mom’s or Dad’s strong hand.
Ask before you splash or play.
Check the depth, and stay away.
Smart and brave go paw in paw.
Be safe around the waves you saw.

Questions for Discussion:

1.     Why did Freddy’s mom stop him from jumping into the pond?

2.     What are three things Freddy learned about staying safe around water?

3.     How can you make sure you stay safe when swimming or playing near water?