Give a Child the Ability to Swim, and They’ll Be Set for Life!
For as long as I can remember, I have been floating on water. Sure, I’ve been beaten down by a wave or two as I’ve spent my time in the ocean. But overall, I’ve found the water to be my happy place. As we fast approach World Drowning Prevention Day, I’ve come to realise that my feeling towards the water is a privilege that many don’t have. As I’ve stepped into coaching and Learn-to-Swim, I’ve seen that giving a child the ability to swim helps to set them up for life!
Get Your Children in the Pool Early
Have you ever been at a braai watching the kids around the pool, not daring to tear your gaze away as you fret with thoughts of a potential accident around the pool. Setting your child up for success, means getting them water safe early! Not only could it save your child’s life, but it can also help you feel more at ease when your children are around the pool.
When your child is as young as 18 months, getting them to participate in Infant Swim Lessons is a great aid. Lessons for babies help teach children to float on their backs and find their way to the stairs or edge of the pool. Although this may not mean your child is 100% water safe yet, it does buy you time! I know of a mother who heard her baby fall into the pool, and by the time she reached the pool’s edge the baby had only just started to go under. Those lessons her daughter attended helped her to buy an extra few minutes where she floated on her back before she started to lose her energy and struggle. Moral of the story, start your children in the water young.
When you first teach young children to swim there are 4 steps you want to follow. I start with these as basic building blocks for anyone I teach to first swim:
1. Bubbles - Encourage bubble blowing. This helps to stop the child from swallowing water.
2. Rainbow Arms - Teaching rainbow arms help a child extend their arms out of the water, rather than being submerged. This helps to stay on top of the water rather than under
3. Side Breathing - Breathing to the side, rather than forward, stops your legs from sinking and pulling your body downwards. The goal is to be on top of the water in a horizontal position.
4. Kick, Kick, Kick! - The stronger the kick, the stronger the swimmer. If you teach a child to have a strong kick, they’ll tire less easily and be able to stay on top of the water for longer until they reach a spot of safety.
The above can also apply to adults who are first learning to swim.
The Benefits of Starting Young
Learning to swim at a young age offers numerous benefits, both in terms of safety and overall development. Some of these include:
• Water Safety - Early swimming lessons can significantly reduce the risk of drowning. Children who learn to swim young are more likely to understand water safety rules and be able to navigate water environments more confidently.
• Respect for Water - Early exposure to swimming teaches children to respect and appreciate water environments, understanding both their potential dangers and recreational benefits.
• Physical Fitness - Swimming is a fantastic form of exercise that engages multiple muscle groups and improves cardiovascular health. Starting young promotes a lifelong habit of staying physically active.
• Coordination and Motor Skills - Swimming requires coordination of the arms, legs, and breathing. Learning these skills early can enhance overall motor development and coordination, not to mention being of assistance if you ever find yourself in a sticky situation in the pool or ocean.
• Cognitive Benefits - Swimming requires focus, coordination, and problem-solving skills (e.g., navigating the water, adjusting strokes). These cognitive benefits can contribute to overall brain development in young learners. This in turn will help you avoid dangerous situations in the water.
• Life-Long Skill - Once learned, swimming is a skill that can be enjoyed throughout one's life. It opens up opportunities for recreation, fitness, and potentially even competitive sports.
Learning to swim at a young age offers a wide range of benefits that extend beyond just water safety, positively impacting physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Water Safety for Adults
Water safety is as important for adults as it is for children, especially when engaging in water activities. Here are some essential water safety tips for adults:
• Learn to Swim - If you don't already know how to swim, consider taking swimming lessons. Knowing how to swim is fundamental to water safety.
• Always Swim with a Buddy - Whether you're swimming in a pool, lake, river, or ocean, it's safer to swim with a companion. Keep an eye on each other and be ready to help if needed.
• Don't Swim Under the Influence - Avoid consuming alcohol or drugs before or during swimming. Alcohol impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Wear Proper Safety Gear - When engaging in water sports like boating, kayaking, or jet skiing, wear appropriate safety gear such as life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs). Ensure they fit properly and are in good condition.
It is essential to prioritise safety, be prepared, and stay vigilant to ensure a positive and secure water experience.
Water Safety at the Beach
Being a lifeguard and competitive lifesaver, I’ve had to do my fair share of courses on safety at the beach. Water safety at the beach is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. Here are some important tips and practices to keep in mind:
• Swim Near Lifeguard Stations - Always swim in designated swimming areas that are supervised by lifeguards. They are trained to monitor water conditions and respond quickly in case of emergencies.
• Check Water Conditions - Before entering the water, assess the conditions such as wave height, currents, and tide changes. Pay attention to any warning flags or signs posted by lifeguards indicating hazards.
• Swim with a Buddy - Always swim with a companion, especially in unfamiliar waters. Keep an eye on each other and be ready to help if needed.
• Know Your Limits - Be honest about your swimming abilities and the abilities of children in your care. Stay within your depth and comfort level, especially in areas with strong currents or sudden drop-offs.
• Watch Children Closely - Supervise children at all times, even if they are wearing flotation devices. Keep young children within arm's reach in the water.
• Respect Rip Currents - These are currents that run laterally or straight out to the ocean. If caught in a rip current (a narrow, fast-moving channel of water), stay calm and swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Do not swim against it!
• Learn CPR - If you have the ability to learn this skill, we highly encourage you to do so. Learning CPR and basic first aid techniques are skills that can be life-saving in emergencies.
By following these water safety tips, you can enjoy a safe and relaxing day at the beach while minimising risks to yourself and others. Always prioritise safety and be aware of your surroundings to make the most of your beach experience.
Water safety begins with respect for its power and ends with vigilance in its presence.
