May is National Water Safety Awareness Month and our friends at Goldfish Swim School want this summer to be your family’s #BestSummerEver. The best way to ensure the #BestSummerEver it is to make sure your kids are safe in and around the water! During May Water Safety Awareness Month, we are celebrating swim lessons and achieving the water safety skills you need to know. 

But first the facts – did you know that: 

  • Drowning remains the #1 cause of death for children ages 1-4, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children 5-14
  • More children ages 1–4 die from drowning than any other cause of death
  • 70% of toddler drownings happen when the child isn’t expected to be in the water (non-swim time)
  • Children younger than 1 year old are more likely to drown at home, and for children younger than 5, 87% of drowning fatalities happen in home pools or hot tubs
  • 50% of children drown within 25 yards of a parent or other adult
  • 88% of child drownings occur with at least one adult present
  • Taking formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%

Enrolling in swim lessons is just the first step on your family’s water safety journey along with these safety tips:

  • Ditch the floaties! Instead, seek out Coast Guard-Approved life jackets! These regulated and consistent floatation devices, when fitted correctly, allow for proper breathing and swimming for kiddos of all ages. 
  • Follow the rules!  Review rules together as a family before letting your kids loose to enjoy the water. Pay special attention to pool hours, and always schedule your swims when lifeguards are present, if possible. Throw a life preserver first before jumping to a person’s aid! 
  • Wear bright colors! The best swimsuit colors are bright and can be distinguished in the water – lean towards pink, purple, orange, yellow and green for the clearest view of your child no matter how wavy the water. 
  • Designate a water watcher – an adult, whose responsibility needs to be keeping an eye on the swimmers is a must this summer. Vigilance is key – no chatting, no checking your phone, no distractions.

Kick off the Best Summer Ever!

Join us at one of our upcoming May family swim celebrations at your local Goldfish Swim School: 

Since 2006, Goldfish Swim School has been committed to impacting the startling drowning statistics and empowering families to prioritize water safety for kids in and out of the pool. With the guidance and support of child development and swim experts, we have created a shiver free facility that prioritizes safety, progress and confidence at every stage.