Gilbert, AZ
Period between Memorial and Labor Day is when most of the drowning happen. Therefore, City of Yuma Mayor Douglas J. Nichols has proclaimed August “Drowning Impact Awareness Month”. Arizona Governor Douglas A. Ducey expanded that proclamation to Arizona.
Recent tragedy that hit US Olympian Bode Miller shows that even if parents are extra cautious, drowning can happen. Him and his wife Morgan decided to help spreading drowning awareness in the US. You can see their interview with Today on our Facebook page.
Drowning is the most common cause of death for children ages 1-4, but adults are at risk too. This year alone, in our Valley of the Sun, there were total of 89 reported drowning incidents from which 28 resulted in death. Those were 19 adults and 9 children under the age of 5.
We often hear that parents think that they are safe because they don’t have a pool in their backyard, or they have a pool fence and think that children are safe. That is just one more reason why we keep telling everyone and focus on water safety in our lessons. It doesn’t matter if you are 1 or 101 years old, taking quality swim lessons can reduce the chance of drowning by 80%.
“The survey, conducted for the Red Cross, found that nearly all parents (94 percent) expect that their children will engage in some sort of water activity this summer. However, nearly two-thirds (61 percent) of these parents report that their child cannot demonstrate all five basic skills that could save their lives in the water. Of these, 65 percent are parents of children (ages 4-12) and 51 percent are parents of teens (ages 13-17).” Source American Red Cross
Here is one more alarming statistic from Red Cross survey:
“While 80 percent of those surveyed said they could swim, almost half of that group admitted they were unable to perform at least one of these basic “water competency” skills:
- stepping or jumping into the water over your head
- returning to the surface and floating or treading water for one minute
- turning around in a full circle, finding an exit and swimming 25 yards to the exit
- exiting from the water
- if in a pool, exiting without using the ladder
Drowning is preventable in most cases and we can help. To enroll in our premier water safety and swimming program call British Swim School East Valley at (480) 725-9292 to find the right class for you or your child, or enroll online. Classes are available to those located in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Queen Creek.
