Whether you’re going on a spring break vacation, or spend some QT at home with the kiddos, spring break is surprisingly one of the best opportunities to get your kids in the water to learn important swimming safety skills for life. According to the National Institutes of Health, participation in formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88 percent. If you’re coming off a winter break from swimming and want that pre-vacation or early summer start, Goldfish Swim School can help with opportunities to kick start swimming skill building through their innovative one week Jump Start Clinics or just by remembering some key facts around staying safe in the water on your vacation. 

Spring Break Water Safety Tips/Reminders:

  • Know Before You Go:
    • If you’re taking a beach or pool vacation, It’s always a good idea to set your kids up for a safer spring break. A family game plan should include understanding your destination (i.e. hotel, vacation rental, beach, water park, etc.) and the obstacles and dangers that may come with it. Make sure you know the ins and outs of the body of water you might be on – whether it’s a backyard pool or open ocean or lake. 
  • Swap Out Floaties & Puddle Jumpers for Coast Guard-Approved Life Jackets:
    • Don’t rely on floaties and puddle jumpers to keep your kids afloat! Use a Coast Guard approval on floatation device instead – it means the lifejacket has met all the regulations that the Coast Guard has set in place for water safety! 
    • The fit of the life jacket matters! If your ears can slip down beneath the shoulders of the life jacket, the device won’t be able to work as designed. 
  • Seek out Bright Colored Swimwear & Properly Fitted Goggles:
    • When shopping for swimwear, avoid colors that could blend in with the water and choose swimsuits with bright colors instead. The vibrant colors will stand out in the water and make it easier to spot a swimmer in need of help. 
  • Play it Cool and Follow the Rules:
    • Review rules together as a family before heading to your destination. Pay special attention to pool hours, and always schedule your swims when lifeguards are present, if possible. And throw, don’t go! The best thing to do if you see an emergency in the water is to throw a life preserver to the person in danger, and then get help from a trusted adult or lifeguard. 
  • Designate a Water Guardian:
    • Be sure to stay within arm’s reach of your child at all times – even if lifeguards are present. 
    • 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.

Enroll in Swim Lessons! And a Giveaway! 

Jump Start Clinics: Intensive Classes to Improve in Swimming & Safety Skills

Goldfish Swim School’s unique Jump Start Clinics are swim classes designed for families looking to get their kids water-ready in a hurry. They’re a great way to introduce kids to fundamental water safety skills before taking a water-centric vacation. They’re a perfect activity for spring break or to make a month of progress in just one week of lessons!

And we are giving one away here! ENTER NOW!