Gilbert, AZ
Although the month of May (National Swim Safety Month) is drawing to a close, we know that Swim Safety is something to keep in mind all year long! Swimming is a great, physical activity that the whole family can enjoy. Here at British Swim School- East Valley we just want to make sure everyone stays safe while doing it.
Continue reading to learn some water safety tips that might just safe your little one’s life or your own.
General Water Safety Tips
- Enroll children in swimming lessons at an early age. Risk of drowning is decreased by as much as 88% when children aged 1-4 years take swimming lessons. Click here to view our classes.
- Learn Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). It can mean the difference between life and death. Check with the Red Cross about registering for a CPR class in your area.
- Children should always be supervised. Whether you’re in the backyard, a public pool, or at the beach, make sure there is a responsible, designated person to watch the water when children are swimming.
- Avoid alcohol while swimming and supervising children. It impairs your judgment, balance, coordination, and your body’s ability to stay warm.
- Enter the water feet-first. Serious injuries — including paralysis — can occur from diving head first into unknown water and hitting the bottom. Enter headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.
- Test the water temperature before you get in. Jumping into cold water can shock your body and elevate your heart rate and blood pressure, and also slow your muscles, making it difficult to swim.
- Have a phone handy. No matter where you are swimming, the ability to call 911 in an emergency could be a lifesaver.
- Keep a safety kit handy. A first aid kit that includes a pair of scissors to cut hair, clothing, or a pool cover should be kept within reach in case of an emergency. Lifesaving equipment such life rings and reaching poles are also recommended.
- Beware of rip currents. They are powerful, channeled currents of water flowing away from shore that can occur at any beach with breaking waves, including the Great Lakes. The United States Lifesaving Association has a comprehensive survival guide on rip currents.
- Don’t swim in polluted water. Pay attention to warning flags or alerts about contaminated water. If you are unsure whether water is clean enough to swim in, it is best to not get in.
- Know your limits. Swimming in open water is much different than in a pool. Cold water, currents, and other dangerous conditions can challenge even the strongest swimmers. If you are unsure about your limits, you may want to start out slowly and not venture too far from shore.
Above all, just be aware! Knowledge is key when it comes to water and pool safety. Educating children from a very young age, and keeping yourself informed, can lead to a lifetime of healthy, safe swimmers. Don’t let you or your little one become a statistic. Call British Swim School East Valley at (480) 725-9292 to find the right class for your child. Classes are available to those located in Gilbert, Chandler, Mesa, Tempe, Ahwatukee, and Queen Creek.
