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Best Waterproof Smartwatches for Active Kids (2026): Swim-Proof GPS Watches Tested

Kids and Water: An Inevitable Collision

I have two boys. Ages 7 and 10. Between them, they have destroyed a TV remote by dropping it in a fish tank, shorted out a tablet by leaving it face-down on a wet patio table, and killed a perfectly good pair of wireless earbuds by jumping into a pool with them still in their ears. That last one happened within 45 minutes of opening the box on Christmas morning.

So when I started reviewing kids' GPS smartwatches, water resistance was the very first spec I looked at. Not battery life. Not GPS accuracy. Not the color of the wristband. Water resistance. Because I know my kids. And if you're reading this, you probably know yours, too.

Here's the thing — water isn't some occasional hazard for kids. It's a constant. Puddle-stomping on the walk to school. Sweaty wrists during summer soccer. Sprinkler runs in the backyard. Pool parties every other weekend from May through September. Washing hands (when they actually remember). Bath time. Water balloons. Snow that melts on their sleeves. Rain.

A kids' smartwatch that can't handle water is a kids' smartwatch that's going to die within weeks. Period.

I spent the last several months putting five popular GPS watches through real water testing — not lab conditions, actual kid conditions. I dunked them in pools. I let them sit under sprinklers. I left one out in a rainstorm for two hours. I even (accidentally, thanks to my 7-year-old) dropped one in the bathtub.

Here's what survived, what struggled, and what parents actually need to know about waterproof kids' watches in 2026.

Water Resistance Ratings Explained: What Do IP67, IP68, and 5ATM Actually Mean?

Before we get into specific watches, let's talk about what those water resistance ratings actually mean in plain English. Because the marketing language around this stuff is designed to confuse you.

IP Ratings (IP67, IP68)

The "IP" stands for Ingress Protection. The first number is dust resistance (6 means fully dust-tight — good). The second number is water resistance, and that's where it gets important:

IP67: Protected against temporary submersion in water up to 1 meter (about 3 feet) for up to 30 minutes. Translation: it will survive splashes, rain, handwashing, and brief accidental dunks. It should NOT go swimming.
IP68: Protected against continuous submersion beyond 1 meter, usually up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes (though manufacturers can define their own depth). Translation: better than IP67, can handle shallow pool time, but still has limits.

ATM Ratings (5ATM, WR50)

ATM stands for "atmospheres" of pressure. This is typically a more robust standard for actual water sports:

5ATM / WR50 (Water Resistant 50 meters): Designed to withstand pressure equivalent to 50 meters of depth. In practice, this means the watch is truly swim-proof. Lap swimming, cannonballs, diving for rings at the bottom of the pool — all fair game. This does NOT mean you should take it scuba diving to 50 meters, but for anything a kid will do in or around water, 5ATM is the gold standard.

"Splash-Proof" and "Water-Resistant" (No Rating)

If a watch just says "splash-proof" or "water-resistant" without a specific IP or ATM rating, be skeptical. Those terms have no standardized definition. It might mean it can handle a few raindrops. It might mean the marketing team was feeling optimistic.

The Quick Reference

Rating	Rain & Splashes	Handwashing	Shower	Pool Swimming	Water Sports
Splash-Proof (no rating)	Maybe	Risky	No	No	No
IP67	Yes	Yes	Brief only	No	No
IP68	Yes	Yes	Yes	Shallow/brief	No
5ATM / WR50	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

My rule of thumb: If your kid swims, get 5ATM. If your kid just plays outside in the rain and gets messy, IP68 is fine. If your kid is relatively careful (ha), IP67 will work but you'll always be a little nervous.

Quick Comparison: The 5 Best Waterproof Kids' Smartwatches

Watch	Price	Water Rating	Swim-Safe?	GPS	Battery Life	Best For
Garmin Bounce	~$150	5ATM	Yes	Yes	Up to 2 days	Sporty/outdoor kids
Apple Watch SE	~$249	WR50	Yes	Yes	~18 hours	Apple families, swim tracking
Xplora X6Play	~$150	IP68	Limited	Yes	1-2 days	Pool parties, photos
Cosmo JrTrack 2	~$100	IP67	No	Yes	1-2 days	Budget-friendly, rain/splash
Gabb Watch 3	~$100	IP67	No	Yes	1-2 days	Rain/splash, simplicity

In-Depth Reviews

1. Garmin Bounce — Best Overall Waterproof Kids' Watch

Price: ~$150 | Water Rating: 5ATM | Check Price on Amazon

If you want to stop worrying about water completely, the Garmin Bounce is the answer. This is the only kids' GPS watch in our lineup with a true 5ATM swim-proof rating, which means it can handle anything from cannonballs to swim practice without breaking a sweat — or a seal.

I put this watch through the wringer. My 10-year-old wore it to swim practice twice a week for over a month. He wore it to a pool party where he spent three straight hours doing backflips off the diving board. He wore it in the ocean during a family beach trip. Zero issues. No fogging under the glass. No glitchy touchscreen. No water damage of any kind.

The Garmin Bounce feels tank-like on the wrist. The case is solid, the band is a comfortable silicone that dries fast, and the whole unit has that "Garmin tough" DNA that their adult fitness watches are known for. GPS tracking is accurate, the messaging features work well, and the battery easily gets through a full day and into a second. For a closer look at how it stacks up against its biggest rival, check out our Garmin Bounce vs Xplora X6Play head-to-head comparison.

The one caveat: this watch doesn't have a camera, and the interface isn't as "fun" or colorful as some competitors. My 7-year-old thought it looked "boring." My 10-year-old, who's on a swim team, thinks it's the coolest watch he's ever owned. Know your kid.

Pros:

True 5ATM swim-proof — the best water rating in this category
Garmin-grade build quality and durability
GPS tracking works reliably
Solid battery life (2 days with moderate use)
Dries quickly after swimming

Cons:

No camera
Interface feels utilitarian compared to flashier options
Requires Garmin Jr. app (separate from main Garmin app)
Price is mid-range but the value justifies it

Best for: Kids on swim teams, families who spend a lot of time at the pool or beach, and parents who want to buy a watch once and not worry about water damage ever.

2. Apple Watch SE — Best Premium Waterproof Option

Price: ~$249 | Water Rating: WR50 (5ATM equivalent) | Check Price on Amazon

Yes, the Apple Watch SE is expensive for a kid's wrist. But if your family is already in the Apple ecosystem and you want the best water-resistant smartwatch money can buy, it earns every penny of that price tag when it comes to water performance.

The Apple Watch SE carries a WR50 rating — water resistant to 50 meters — which puts it in the same swim-proof category as the Garmin Bounce. But Apple goes a step further with a built-in water lock mode that prevents accidental screen taps when submerged and uses the speaker to expel water when you're done swimming. My kids thought the little water-spitting sound it makes was hilarious. They kept dunking it just to trigger it.

I had my 10-year-old wear this during a rainy Saturday soccer game. Water was pouring down the screen, and the watch kept working flawlessly. He checked his steps at halftime, wiped the screen on his jersey, and kept playing. After the game, the watch looked and worked exactly as it did before kickoff.

The crack-resistant front crystal is a nice bonus for clumsy kids, and fall detection provides an extra layer of safety. Features like fall detection, SOS, and geofencing are covered in detail in our kids smartwatch safety features explained guide. The swim tracking feature can actually count laps and log swim workouts, which is overkill for most kids but genuinely useful if your child is competitive about their swim times.

The downside, beyond price, is battery life. The Apple Watch SE needs charging every night. For a kid who forgets to charge things (so, every kid), that's a real consideration.

Pros:

WR50 swim-proof rating with water lock mode and water ejection
Swim workout tracking with lap counting
Crack-resistant display
Fall detection and emergency SOS
Premium build quality and ecosystem integration

Cons:

Most expensive option at ~$249
Battery requires daily charging
Requires iPhone for setup (no Android support)
Might be "too much watch" for younger kids
Monthly cellular plan needed for GPS/calling without phone nearby

Best for: Families already in the Apple ecosystem, competitive young swimmers who want workout tracking, and parents who prioritize premium build quality and are comfortable with the price.

3. Xplora X6Play — Best Waterproof Watch with Camera

Price: ~$150 | Water Rating: IP68 | Check Price on Amazon

The Xplora X6Play sits in an interesting middle ground. Its IP68 rating means it can handle more water than the budget options, but it's not truly swim-proof like the Garmin or Apple Watch. What sets it apart is the built-in camera combined with genuinely decent water resistance — a combination that makes it perfect for pool party photos and summer adventures.

Here's what I found in testing: the X6Play handled shallow pool water without any problems. My 7-year-old wore it while wading in the shallow end (waist-deep water, arms mostly above the surface) and took photos of his friends doing cannonballs. The watch survived just fine. He even accidentally submerged it fully for a few seconds when he slipped on the pool steps. No issues.

However, I wouldn't trust it for lap swimming or extended underwater time. IP68 means up to 1.5 meters of submersion for 30 minutes under controlled conditions, but the dynamic pressure of active swimming is different from sitting still in a test tank. I told my kids: you can get this one wet, but don't go diving with it.

The 4G calling feature works well, the GPS is accurate, and the camera — while not going to win any photography awards — is fun for kids and lets them share pictures with parents through the companion app. Build quality is solid, and the watch comes in a few colors that my kids actually liked.

Pros:

IP68 water resistance handles splashes, rain, and brief submersion
Built-in camera for pool party photos and everyday fun
4G calling and messaging
Reliable GPS tracking
Good battery life (1-2 days)

Cons:

Not truly swim-proof — avoid extended swimming sessions
Camera quality is basic
Slightly bulky on smaller wrists
Requires monthly data plan for cellular features

Best for: Kids who want a camera on their wrist and spend time around water (but aren't on a swim team). Great for pool parties, beach trips, and outdoor adventures where photos are part of the fun.

4. Cosmo JrTrack 2 — Best Budget Waterproof Option

Price: ~$100 | Water Rating: IP67 | Check Price on Amazon

I want to be honest about the Cosmo JrTrack 2 and water. Its IP67 rating means it's splash-proof and rain-proof, but it is NOT swim-proof. I've seen some review sites casually toss around the word "waterproof" for IP67 watches, and that's misleading. So let me set expectations: this watch can handle getting wet. It cannot handle going swimming.

That said, the JrTrack 2 performed well within its limits during my testing. My 7-year-old wore it during a 20-minute sprinkler session in the backyard. Water was spraying directly onto the watch from every angle. Afterward, I checked the screen, the buttons, the charging port — everything worked perfectly. He also wore it during a rainy walk home from school where it got thoroughly soaked. Again, no problems.

Where I got nervous was bath time. He forgot to take it off before climbing into the tub, and it sat submerged in warm bathwater for about five minutes before I noticed. I pulled it out, dried it off, and held my breath. It was fine. But that's pushing the limits of IP67, and warm water can be harder on seals than cold water. I wouldn't make a habit of it.

At its ~$100 price point, the JrTrack 2 is a solid value. GPS tracking is reliable, the calling and messaging features work well, and the watch has a kid-friendly interface. It just needs to stay out of the pool. You can see how it compares to other affordable options in our best budget smartwatches under $100 roundup.

Pros:

Budget-friendly at ~$100
IP67 handles rain, splashes, and handwashing confidently
Reliable GPS and 4G calling
Kid-friendly interface
Good battery life

Cons:

NOT swim-proof — keep it out of pools and open water
IP67 is the minimum acceptable water resistance for a kids' watch
No camera
Charging port seal needs to be kept clean

Best for: Budget-conscious parents whose kids don't swim with their watches. Excellent for everyday water encounters like rain, sprinklers, and handwashing, but not for the pool.

5. Gabb Watch 3 — Decent Water Resistance for Everyday Use

Price: ~$100 | Water Rating: IP67 | Check Price on Amazon

The Gabb Watch 3 shares the same IP67 rating as the Cosmo JrTrack 2, and my testing produced similar results. It handles everyday water exposure well but is not built for swimming. Gabb's whole philosophy is about simplicity and safety, and the Watch 3 reflects that — it does the basics well without trying to be a mini smartphone.

During testing, the Gabb Watch 3 handled a solid afternoon of sprinkler play without any trouble. Rain? Fine. Vigorous handwashing (my 10-year-old tends to turn the faucet on full blast and create a small flood at the sink)? Fine. I even ran it under the kitchen faucet for about 30 seconds to simulate heavy rain, and it came through clean.

I did NOT test it in the pool, because Gabb's own documentation is clear that IP67 is not a swim rating, and I appreciate when a company is honest about that instead of using vague marketing language. The Gabb Watch 3 is rain-proof, not pool-proof.

What I like about the Gabb Watch 3 beyond water resistance is its simplicity. There's no app store, no social media, no games — it's a watch that makes calls, sends texts, and tracks location. For parents who want their kid reachable and trackable without handing them a screen addiction device, Gabb nails it.

Pros:

IP67 handles everyday water exposure well
Clean, simple interface without distracting apps or games
Reliable GPS and calling
Honest marketing — Gabb doesn't oversell the water rating
Affordable at ~$100

Cons:

NOT swim-proof — same limitation as the JrTrack 2
Minimal "fun" features compared to competitors
Some kids may find it too basic
IP67 means careful attention during heavy water activities

Best for: Parents who value simplicity and honesty in both the product and the company. Good everyday water resistance for a watch that's meant to be a safety tool first.

Our Real-World Water Testing: What We Actually Did

I don't trust lab ratings alone. Here's exactly what we put these watches through, and what happened.

Test 1: Pool Submersion (30 Minutes)

I strapped the Garmin Bounce and Apple Watch SE to a kickboard and let them float around a residential pool for 30 minutes at about 1 foot of depth. Both came out looking and working perfectly. No fogging, no touchscreen issues, no water behind the glass.

I did not do this with the IP67-rated watches (JrTrack 2 and Gabb Watch 3) because that would have been unfair to the product and probably would have killed them. The Xplora X6Play (IP68) got a brief 5-minute dunk and survived, but I could tell from the fogginess that appeared briefly on the screen edges that it was working harder than the 5ATM watches to keep water out. The fog cleared within an hour.

Test 2: Sprinkler Gauntlet (20 Minutes)

All five watches passed this test easily. I had my kids run through the sprinklers wearing each watch for about 20 minutes. Direct water spray at close range, water running down the arm, the works. Every watch came through without issues. Even the IP67 models handled it like champs.

Test 3: Left in Rain (2 Hours)

I placed all five watches on the patio table during a steady February rainstorm and left them there for two hours. All five survived. The 5ATM watches (Garmin Bounce and Apple Watch SE) looked like nothing had happened. The IP68 Xplora X6Play was completely fine. The IP67 watches (JrTrack 2 and Gabb Watch 3) both had a few droplets near the charging port seals when I picked them up, but after drying them off, they worked normally. Still, it reinforced my feeling that IP67 is the bare minimum.

Test 4: The Accidental Bath Dunk

This wasn't planned. My 7-year-old got into the bath wearing the Cosmo JrTrack 2 (IP67) and it sat in warm water for roughly five minutes before I noticed. I fished it out, dried it, and watched it closely for the next 24 hours. It survived. But warm water is more aggressive on rubber seals than cold water, and I wouldn't count on that outcome every time. Consider this a lucky save, not a feature.

Test 5: Beach Day

The Garmin Bounce went to the beach. Saltwater, sand, sunscreen — the unholy trinity of electronics destruction. My 10-year-old wore it into the waves (knee to waist deep), built sandcastles with it on, and got sunscreen all over it. After rinsing it with fresh water back at the hotel, it looked brand new. The 5ATM rating clearly extends to real-world salt water environments, not just sanitized pool conditions.

Water Resistance Tips Every Parent Should Know

Even a swim-proof watch can be damaged by water if you're not careful. Here are the things I've learned.

1. Always Rinse After Salt Water or Chlorine

Salt and chlorine are corrosive. If your kid swims in a pool or the ocean, rinse the watch under fresh tap water afterward. This takes 10 seconds and significantly extends the life of the seals and case.

2. Don't Press Buttons Underwater

Even 5ATM watches can be vulnerable when buttons are pressed underwater, because the act of pressing creates tiny gaps in the seal. Teach your kids to avoid messing with the watch while they're in the water. Use it before they jump in and after they get out.

3. Avoid Hot Water

Hot tubs, hot showers, and hot baths are harder on water seals than cold or room-temperature water. Heat causes materials to expand slightly, which can create micro-gaps. IP67 and IP68 ratings are tested at room temperature. If your kid takes hot baths, take the watch off first.

4. Check the Charging Port Cover

Many kids' watches have a small rubber flap or cover over the charging port. If this gets torn, bent, or filled with debris, it compromises the water seal at the most vulnerable point on the watch. Check it regularly and keep it clean.

5. Water Damage Usually Voids the Warranty

This is the fine print that catches parents off guard. Even watches marketed as "waterproof" often have warranty clauses that exclude water damage. The logic (from the manufacturer's perspective) is that the watch was water-resistant when it left the factory, but user wear and tear on the seals means they can't guarantee it indefinitely. Check your specific warranty terms before assuming you're covered.

6. Water Resistance Degrades Over Time

The rubber seals and gaskets that keep water out gradually degrade with exposure to UV light, temperature changes, and general wear. A watch that was IP68 on day one might be effectively IP65 after a year of daily outdoor use. Keep this in mind, especially with budget watches that may use less durable sealing materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can my kid wear their GPS watch in the pool?

It depends on the rating. Watches with 5ATM or WR50 ratings (like the Garmin Bounce and Apple Watch SE) are genuinely swim-proof and can be worn for pool swimming. IP68 watches (like the Xplora X6Play) can handle brief, shallow submersion but aren't ideal for extended swim sessions. IP67 watches (like the Cosmo JrTrack 2 and Gabb Watch 3) should NOT go in the pool.

What's the difference between "waterproof" and "water-resistant"?

Technically, almost nothing is truly "waterproof" — everything has a limit. "Water-resistant" is the more accurate term. However, in practical terms, a 5ATM watch is effectively waterproof for any activity a child would do. IP67 is water-resistant for splashes and rain. The terminology is marketing-driven, so focus on the actual IP or ATM rating rather than the adjective on the box.

Will water damage void my warranty?

In most cases, yes. Even watches with high water-resistance ratings typically have warranty exclusions for water damage. The reasoning is that seals degrade over time and the manufacturer can't control how the watch is used. Always check the specific warranty terms. Some companies are more generous than others, but assume water damage is on you unless the warranty explicitly says otherwise.

Can my kid wear their watch in the shower?

For 5ATM watches, brief showers are fine, but avoid hot showers that can affect the seals. For IP68 watches, lukewarm, quick showers are probably okay but I wouldn't make it a daily habit. For IP67 watches, I'd say take it off. The combination of heat, steam, soap, and direct water pressure makes a shower more demanding than the rating suggests.

How do I know if water got inside the watch?

The most common sign is fogging or condensation on the inside of the screen, especially visible when the watch goes from a warm environment to a cool one (or vice versa). Other signs include a touchscreen that becomes erratic or unresponsive, speakers that sound muffled, or a charging port that corrodes. If you see fog inside the display, power the watch off immediately and let it dry completely for 24-48 hours before turning it back on.

Is salt water worse than fresh water for watches?

Yes. Salt water is more corrosive and can damage both the external case and internal components faster than fresh water. If your kid swims in the ocean, rinse the watch with fresh water as soon as possible afterward. This goes for 5ATM watches too — the rating means they can handle submersion, but prolonged salt exposure still isn't ideal for the materials.

My kid's watch says "splash-proof" — can they play in sprinklers?

I'd be cautious. "Splash-proof" without a specific IP or ATM rating is vague and could mean almost anything. Light sprinkler play might be fine. Getting directly blasted by a garden hose nozzle might not. If the watch has at least an IP67 rating, sprinklers are safe. If it just says "splash-proof" with no rating, err on the side of taking it off.

Which waterproof kids' watch is the best value?

For swim-proof capability, the Garmin Bounce at ~$150 offers the best value. You get true 5ATM water resistance with Garmin's renowned build quality. For basic water resistance (rain and splashes), the Cosmo JrTrack 2 and Gabb Watch 3 at ~$100 each are solid budget picks, though you'll need to keep them away from pools. For a broader look at all the top-rated options, see our 7 best GPS smartwatches for kids roundup. The Apple Watch SE offers the most features but at the highest price — it's the best value only if you'll actually use the swim tracking and other premium features.

The Bottom Line

Water resistance is the single most important durability feature in a kids' smartwatch, but it's just one factor to consider. For help weighing all the options, see our complete kids smartwatch buying guide. I've seen GPS watches survive drops onto concrete that would crack a phone screen. I've seen them get scratched, scuffed, and covered in peanut butter. Those watches kept working. But water? Water sneaks into the smallest gaps and kills electronics fast, and kids encounter water every single day.

If your kid swims — at all — get the Garmin Bounce. Its 5ATM rating and Garmin-grade construction make it the most reliable waterproof kids' watch I've tested. If you're an Apple family and want the absolute premium option with swim tracking, the Apple Watch SE is worth the investment.

If your kid doesn't swim with their watch and you just need something that survives the daily gauntlet of rain, puddles, sweat, and handwashing, the Cosmo JrTrack 2 and Gabb Watch 3 at ~$100 each will do the job. Just take them off before the pool.

And if you want a camera for those poolside moments with decent water protection, the Xplora X6Play threads the needle nicely.

Whatever you pick, remember: check those charging port seals, rinse after chlorine and salt water, and don't trust hot water. Your kid's watch will last a lot longer.