Gilbert, AZ
According to the US Census Bureau, there are over 4 million people living in Maricopa County, and over 200 people move to the Phoenix Metro area every day. We are one of the fastest growing areas in the United States. It is amazing me how quickly entire neighborhoods spring up overnight, new businesses open in a blink of an eye, and once vacant desert grows into our expanded cities.
The draw to this oasis in the desert is understandable. Although there are a few hot weeks in the summer, the weather here for most of the year is beautiful. With over 300 sunny or partly sunny days every year, outdoor sports are enjoyed year around, biking, hiking, boating, golf, tennis, swimming… all available when you want to go. If you suffer with Seasonal Affective Disorder, this is the place to be to curb your depression. The sun is shining almost every morning when you wake up.
Employment is available. Surprisingly, the largest company in Arizona with over 50,000 employees is PetSmart. There are over 100 companies that employee well over 1,000 people. There are 6 companies on the Fortune 500 list. There is a need for qualified teachers, medical and tech professionals. Whatever your skill set, there is a position available for hire.
Phoenix also offers a variety of activities and entertainment. There are many hiking trails through our many city, state, and national parks, as well as camping, boating, and other outdoor activities. If you are into the arts, Phoenix offers music, theater, and other quality entertainment venues. The number and variety of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, bakeries, etc. will never leave you hungry or thirsty.
So, welcome to the area! You are going to love it.
There are a few things that you may not have considered, however, that are important to know for your, and your family’s safety. It gets hot in the summer. Keep your pets in the house and get some booties for them. Their feet can burn on the hot ground. You need to be careful in the summer heat as well. Many die while hiking in the summer of dehydration and heat stroke. Be smart and careful when outside in the desert in the summer. Be sure you, your family, and your pets have ample water to drink.
Another difference to most places in the US is our ability to swim year around. It is a great activity for health, wellness, and recreation, but can be dangerous as well. Arizona takes first place for deaths due to drowning. Although many occur during the summer months, drownings happen all year in this state. If you could see your neighborhood from the air, you would see just how many pools surround your home. People may leave a gate open or a child unattended for only a moment and the unthinkable happens. From January to September this year (2018) there have been 138 incidents and 40 deaths in the metro area. In the East Valley there have been 54 incidents and 11 deaths. Many people who survive a near drowning are left with permanent brain damage. It is crucial that everyone learn to swim and be safe around water. Drowning is preventable. Just as you use a bike helmet and car seat to protect your children, you should make sure they learn to swim. Swimming lessons reduce the chance of drowning by 88%. There are swim schools in the area for you to attend so that you will never be part of that devastating statistic.
Just as you look for the best car seat, the best school, and the best care for your loved ones, so you should search for the best swim lessons that work for you and your family. The British Swim School is a premier swim school with over 37 years of experience. The lesson plans have been thoroughly researched, consider developmental abilities, and are scientifically base and they achieve their goals of making all people safe and happy in the water. Our levels are divided into a survival school and stroke development school. We teach children as young as 3 months and adult as old as they grow. We have an experienced Adapted Program with credentialed instructors for all people with physical or developmental disabilities. Everyone should learn to swim. Everyone should be safe around water. Everyone should view learning to swim as a priority, not just another activity for fun.
So, now that you are here in Arizona, enjoy all that it has to offer, but take seriously the dangers you are new to experience.
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, Santan Valley and Queen Creek.
