May is Water Safety Awareness Month, and this is a great time to review the water safety basics with your kids before beach and pool season. Goldfish Swim Schools of Metro Detroit have all the skills and information you need to know to keep your families safe this summer season.
With May being Water Safety Awareness Month, we are focused on spreading awareness of the importance of some key tips and water safety skills that ALL families can use to stay safe in and around the water this summer.
Tragically, drowning is the single leading cause of unintended death of children ages 1-4 in the U.S. and the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide. Research by the National Library of Medicine shows participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning for kids ages 1-4 by 88 percent. While Goldfish Swim School is dedicated to water safety all year round, raising awareness for the importance of water confidence is particularly important this time of year.
Goldfish Swim Schools of the Metro Detroit area teach lessons for children ages 4 months to 12 years old in our state of the art facility.
What are Key Water Safety Tips Parents Need to Keep in Mind?
- Enroll in Swim Lessons: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids enroll in regular swim lessons by age one. 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 – such as the crab walk, properly getting in and out of the pool, going under water, rolling on their back, treading water, learning different strokes, etc.
- 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 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 – search for the United States Coast Guard approval on it. Pay attention to proper fit – the fit matters, because 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. A U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket is especially important when swimming in lakes and oceans when water conditions can be uncertain and unpredictable.
- 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.
- Wear bright colored swimsuits. Colors matter when you are in the water. It is best to pick out a swim outfit that is brighter and bolder in color. Lean towards shades of pink, purple, orange, yellow and green when wearing swim gear for the clearest view of your child no matter water conditions.
Families interested in learning more about Goldfish Swim School can reach out to schedule a FREE TRIAL CLASS or your FREE classes for babies up to six months!
Or, attend one of our free community Water Safety Events!
- Ann Arbor – Sunday, May 19th, 2pm to 5pm
- Birmingham – Sunday, May 19th, 4:30 to 7pm
- Canton – Saturday, May 18th, 4pm to 6pm
- Farmington Hills – Saturday, May 18th, 4:30pm to 6:30pm
- Macomb – Saturday, May 18th, 4:30pm to 6:30pm
- Rochester – Saturday May 18th, 4:30pm to 6:30pm
- West Bloomfield – Sunday, May 19th, 2pm to 5 pm