May is Swim Safety Month and it is never a better time to either start or continue the conversation on drowning awareness and prevention. According to the CDC, “Drowning is responsible for more deaths among children 1 – 4 than any other case except congenital anomalies and fatal drowning remains the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death.”
This is why here at the Lenny Krayzelburg Swim Academy we place water safety and accident readiness at the top of our priority list. Many parents will say, “I just want my child to be able to swim across the pool and get out at the other side.” Our answer is that while a few weeks of lessons may accomplish that goal, studies and incidents have shown that is not setting up a child for successfully saving themselves in an emergency. Panic is the key word here; panic takes over and that child who never learned anything but to swim to the other side is suddenly paralyzed with fear.
Children who have not been taught survival skills including how to back float tend to have a much lower chance of surviving a water-related emergency. Confidence is the other key word for a child certain in their abilities will be less likely to panic and more conscious of their own limits. We achieve this through ongoing practice in a structured curriculum, a work-at-your-own-pace program and a reward system that builds confidence.
Drowning is silent, but you do not have to be. Speak out against cavalier attitudes toward swim safety. Say NO to pool parties or environments that do not place an emphasis on safety by having inadequate supervision, improper flotation devices or that allow rowdy behavior. Say YES to year-round lessons, coast guard approved devices, and to putting all other distractions aside while your children are swimming.
Stay safe this summer and year-round by calling 214-239-7141 or e-mailing jingram@jccdallas.org today for your child’s free swim evaluation!