It is that time of year for our littles to jump into their back to school routines. Including afterschool activities like swimming. At least one of my kids is happy about being back to their regular school routines. Which means we will be back at our regular swim class over the weekend soaking up all the wonderful water safety tips at our local Gold Fish Swim School.
Here are some great things we love that are happening in the month of August at Gold Fish Swim Schools.
Water Safety Week – August 14th thru 20th
During this week lessons swimmers will get extra splash of water safety skills.
Water Safety – What Can you Do?
Enroll in Swim Lessons: As a result swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88%. Lessons help increase muscle memory by practicing basic techniques for kids to use during a water emergency.
Never swim alone: While many of our young ones think they’re all grown up and don’t need a swim buddy, you can re-enforce this rule by explaining that this rule goes for kids and adults alike. Teach your children to always have a buddy in the water – whether it be an adult or peer – at the beach, on vacation, or at home. Children can drown in as little as two inches of water, so if water is around, make sure someone else is, too.
Wear a U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Life Jacket: Having a proper floatation device is one of the easiest ways to increase safety in the water. Pay close attention to proper fit – if your head or ears can slip down beneath the life jacket, the device won’t be able to work as designed to keep your head above water and allow for proper breathing.
Designate a Water Guardian: Make sure to keep your eyes on your kids at all times – even if lifeguards are present. Kids are as curious as they come and are always willing to push the limits without knowing the true hazards. Designate an adult “Water Guardian” and be sure to change guardians every 30 minutes so he/she is alert and refreshed. A Water Guardian’s sole responsibility needs to be keeping an eye on the swimmers. Vigilance is key – no chatting, no checking your phone, no distractions. DO NOT rely on floatation devices during swim time.
Play it Cool and Follow the Rules: Sometimes when our little ones are in play-mode, rules fall by the wayside. Review rules together as a family before letting your kids loose to enjoy the water.
Pool Area Safety: Install a 4- sided pool fence, door, camera and alarms to alert you when the doors are opened or if someone does enter the designated area.
Pool Toys and Floatation Devices – DO NOT store pool toys or floatation devices in pools. Little children will want to play ultimately wondering towards pool toys accidentally falling into the pool. After pool have them help in storing away pool toys. DO NOT rely on floatation devices during swim time
Thank you for reading and helping keep our little swimmer safe.
xoxo
Cindy A.
