By Karen Creasey
“Every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States.” *
Wow! As a lifelong swimmer I would like to think that most drowning is preventable with some education, practice, and common sense. Although my wish may be a bit too simplified, I’m convinced that learning to swim is never a bad thing. The USA Swimming Foundation gives some interesting facts regarding learning to swim and participating in formal swim lessons. On their website, www.usaswimming.org it states that participation in formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among young children. 88 percent! It also states that if a parent does not know how to swim, there is only a 13 percent chance that a child in that household will learn to swim!
Those percentages alone are enough to convince me that formal swim lessons do their part in drowning prevention. But the stats I like to look at are on the faces of the children and adults who become confident enough in the water to enjoy a wet playful afternoon without the fear of drowning.
Learning how to float and how to propel through the water enough to make it to safety is a life skill that grants the possibility of fun in any aquatic environment. Learning how to perform stroke mechanics and swim for fitness provides an opportunity to experience a strong cardio respiratory system and overall health. Learning to swim proficiently could be the beginning of reaching a lifelong dream. Like winning a medal, participating in a triathlon, teaching someone else to swim, or even becoming a United States Coastguard Rescue Swimmer. The possibilities are endless!
The American Red Cross learn-to-swim program teaches people how to be safe in and around the water; as well as stroke mechanics and stroke proficiency. A child as young as six months can start swim lessons and an adult of any age can learn to swim. The Palm Desert Aquatic Center runs year around American Red Cross swim lessons for all ages and all skill levels. Call 760-565-7647 for information. It would be our pleasure to have you, your family, and your friends at the aquatic center in our learn to swim programs.
*According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
