Water Safety Month: Swim Classes and Safety

Written by: Carly Flumer, Volunteer

May is a time when the sun shines a little longer, the flowers are in bloom, anxious kids are getting ready for summer, and, of course, the pool opens! May is recognized as Summer Safety and Water Safety Month, and it’s the perfect time for both kids and adults to learn how to swim and a time to learn the basics of water safety. 

Swimming classes are taught at aquatic facilities all across the country by caring, patient, and trained instructors who are dedicated to each student, beginning by starting with the basics and then moving towards stroke refinement, all while providing a safe and comfortable environment. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to renew your skills, the Red Cross offers classes designed for all ages and levels to become comfortable in and around the water, learn new strokes, and ultimately become safer swimmers.

Additionally, for those who want to practice on their own, the Red Cross provides a free app that includes educational games, videos, and a swim lesson progress tracker!

To learn more about our programs, follow these links:

• To find a swim class near you: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/swimming/learn-to-swim-providers
• To find out what to expect at your child’s swimming lesson: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/swimming/swim-lessons/kids-swim-lessons
• To find out what to expect at an adult’s swimming lesson: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/swimming/swim-lessons/adult-swim-lessons
• To download the free Red Cross Swim App: http://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/mobile-apps

Here are some tips that the Red Cross recommends to families whether at the local pool or beach:

• Only swim in areas that are monitored by lifeguards
• Swim with a friend
• Do not leave a child unattended by water, even if they’re wearing a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket
• Always maintain supervision
• Make sure everyone in your family knows how to swim. Swimming lessons are offered by the Red Cross at many local facilities across the country. Find out more information here: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/swimming/swim-lessons
• Know when to call 9-1-1 in an emergency
• Enroll in a Red Cross home pool safety, water safety, first aid and CPR/AED courses to learn how to respond to emergencies
• Remember to protect your skin using sunscreen and limit the amount of sun your body intakes between the peak hours of 10:00am and 4:00pm

At the beach, remember to:

• Check conditions before entering the water, including weather conditions and flags placed by lifeguards
• Stay at least 100 feet away from piers and jetties
• If someone is in danger get help from a lifeguard. If one is not in sight, call 9-1-1.
• Never fight a current.
• Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Then turn and swim towards the shore. If you can’t swim towards the shore, float until you are free and then head towards the shore.
• Never dive headfirst. Look for obstructions around you first.

Wishing everyone a great and safe start to the 2018 pool and beach season 😊