May is National Water Safety and Drowning Prevention Month. As the month comes to an end, the school year draws to a close, and pools open, it seems fitting to recognize something so important. Most people associate summer with being outside and spending time by the water, whether that be the pool, lake, or taking a trip to the beach. However, it is essential to remember water safety year-round and how to stay safe around water for both you and your children. Here are my top tips and tricks for enhancing water safety beyond swim lessons.
- Wear swimsuits and swim trunks that are easy to see in water. Ditch the blue or light-colored swimsuits and choose something bright and easy to see!
- Only use floating devices when necessary. I advocate for using Coast Guard-approved life jackets on boat rides, near open bodies of water, and, when absolutely necessary, at a pool. However, swimming with flotation devices can give your child a false sense of security when swimming. Avoid using “puddle jumpers” whenever possible. These devices put children in the “perfect drowning position” and allow minimal movement from their stomach to their back and little use of their arms. What happens when they accidentally jump in without their floaty and panic? How can we increase confidence in swim lessons when students automatically receive floaties to take home? Get in the water with your child and promote independence. This will show them that they can be brave outside of swim lessons while gaining the confidence to swim alone. Of course, we like to remind them that before getting in the water, an adult needs to be there with them!
- Increase the water on their face during bath time. Swim lessons are essential for developing typical swimming skills; however, we love to hear positive feedback from parents regarding other aspects, such as bath time. Did you know it only takes about 2 inches of water for a child to drown? Any prevention and practice in these settings can be important. If they are more comfortable getting water on their face outside of the pool, it will make swim lessons easier for them when learning to go underwater.
- If you have a pool, make sure you have a fence, net, or alarm system in place. Talk to your kiddos about water safety, but try not to scare them. Associate the water as a safe place WITH adults. It is not safe if they are alone, regardless of how well they can swim.
- Invest in swim lessons (had to throw it in)!!!!
I have been teaching swim lessons for almost eight years. I am originally from Arizona and began teaching there. When I moved to Arkansas to attend college and swim, I started a business and have been grateful to provide lessons to children and adults in the community. We have two locations and a wonderful team of instructors who love what they do. We have had many parents and children excited about swim lessons this summer, and we are grateful to be able to teach water safety to so many wonderful people. But what about when your kiddo is not so excited to do swim lessons and get in the pool? Why is my kid crying the whole lesson? Should I remove them from lessons or keep them in? Should I watch right next to the pool where they can see me, or should I walk away and let the instructor take the lead? Many questions can surround enrolling your child in swim lessons, and I want to take some time to answer them to the best of my ability.
First of all, crying and being upset during a lesson is normal. LEARNING TO SWIM IS A LIFE SKILL! It is not going to come easy or naturally to every single kiddo. It won’t even be fun for everyone right away. However, it is essential to learn to swim and become proficient in the water in case of an emergency. So, my best advice is to keep your child in swim lessons. Your child is safe, and continuing swim lessons could save their life. They may be crying because the water is a little colder than they are used to, mom and dad are not in the water with them, and they are in a large pool with a new person. Most of the time, our kids reach the point of being able to calm down and become comfortable in the water. They work hard, and they get out at the end of the lesson ready for cuddles and warmth.
For our older children who may be upset, I have found that they often lack confidence in the water. Our goal is not to throw them in and have them figure it out, but they need to understand that they are more than capable of doing hard things. Doing hard things can be frustrating and scary, even for adults. Most of the time, we understand how to manage our emotions and explain that it is challenging for us. Sometimes, our kiddos are not capable of doing that. Instead, they become frustrated, which may even result in screaming and crying. They will get it! It may take some time, and it may be a process of experiencing ups and downs, but they are capable of becoming safe in the water.
I tell parents all the time that learning to swim is like learning to ride a bike or drive a car. I know all too well that learning to drive a stick shift car with my father was harder than learning to swim! However, swimming is challenging, and our goal is to help your child learn to swim. Whether they are 6 months old going through our safety and survival lessons or 10 years old learning new strokes, swim lessons will help them. Drowning is a real threat to children, especially under the age of 4, and it is vital to find swim lessons that are really going to get your child swimming. Not every accident is preventable, and I would be naïve to think that. I recognize that swim lessons are not affordable for every family, but it will be worth it to find a good instructor that you can invest in.
I love teaching swim lessons, and I love learning better ways to teach children. I love teaching other instructors how they can better prepare children and encourage safe swimming. Find someone passionate about water safety and ask questions. We want to help you with no judgment! Education is important, and it starts with asking questions and spreading awareness of the importance. Have a wonderful summer, and always remember to prioritize safety in and around the water!