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by Michelle Sutton-Kerchner
May is National Water Safety Month. Be ready to make a safe splash this summer …
Before long, we will be surrounded by opportunities for aquatic fun. Whether for cooling off or working out, the summer heat encourages us to take advantage of water. To kick off swim season, National Water Safety Month reminds us to refresh ourselves first about safety basics. Awareness can save lives.
Everything from a little one’s tumble into the pool or a teen’s invincible attitude pulling them too deep into the surf can turn a sunny day stormy. Something as innocuous as a favorite toy floating by to a full-force riptide can signal danger. It only takes a small distraction for a quick accident to occur. Basic swimming smarts and skills ease the anxieties often felt around water.
Riding the Wave
There is a faulty assumption that most adults can swim. However, simply managing to stay afloat does not qualify as skilled or even safe. Knowing basic swim skills can be life-changing as well as lifesaving.
To prepare for this year’s swim season, Melissa Wasenda enrolled herself and her two children in swim lessons at the Center. “I’m impressed with the Center’s swim lessons. It is comfortable here. The aquatics area is immaculately maintained with superior care,” shared Melissa on her choice to entrust the Center with lessons for her and her children, ages three and five years old.
Previously, her mindset followed that of many adults: “If I am above water and not drowning, I must be swimming.” However, through her lessons, she became pleasantly surprised. “I discovered swimming for the sport it is. I advanced from learning to loving this vigorous form of exercise,” notes Melissa. Her instructor, Lynda, shared an infectious passion for swimming.
Perhaps best yet, Melissa is able to exercise without exacerbating chronic pain she suffers. “Miraculously, swimming is the first exercise I have been able to do without causing pain. This has been transformative for me,” she relates. She now considers experimenting with other fitness options so she may someday attempt a triathlon, despite her injury. Impressive!
Little Motivators
Previously, Melissa’s children participated in the Center’s Parent & Me program. Inspired—which basically means they enjoyed splashing around with likeminded tots and their parents—they started private swim lessons at the Center. After one month, Melissa enrolled herself. “I felt the kids would benefit from seeing me as an example. We were each other’s motivation,” she explains.
Although the children take lessons on a different day than Melissa, they enjoy the togetherness aquatics allows. She was able to schedule the lessons according to their schedule, a flexibility essential to a mom of two preschoolers. The kids conveniently share their lesson time, made possible by an instructor who can accommodate their age difference.
“I love that I’m allowed in the pool with them during their lessons. My kids are very attached to me. It helps them to have me nearby in the pool.” Both children have overcome their fear of the water through patient, friendly instruction. “I find myself wondering why I didn’t think of these swim techniques to help them,” Melissa laughs.
Swim Tips for Learners of All Ages
- Lessons should focus on safety basics first, including holding your breath, jumping in deep water, returning to the pool’s side from the center, and floating.
- Swim lessons do not make anyone drown-proof. Appropriate supervision is a must for all budding swimmers, young and old.
- For children, choose an instructor who specializes in young swimmers.
- Consider private lessons. The instructor can better connect with you/your child and understand their best learning style. This is also especially effective for shy children (and adults) who may be intimidated in groups.
- Accept yourself as you are. Life is not a swimsuit competition. The Center offers positive, professional aquatic programs in a nonjudgmental environment.
- Learn CPR. Encourage those who care for your child(ren) to learn, too.
Take advantage of the Center’s year-round aquatics facility. Experiment with water workouts and aquatics classes. Practice between and beyond your enrollment in lessons. Repetition is needed to gain progress and sharpen water safety skills. Emerge from the water stronger at the start of every summer.
Image Credits
Doors to ocean: pixabay.com/en/monterey-ocean-california-norcal-1571091
