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Swimming Safety Reminders

by Theresa Carpine7/9/2008 3:34:46 PM

A dip in a local lake or swimming pool sounds pretty good on those really hot summer afternoons, but when it comes to kids and water, it’s better to be safe than sorry. According to KidsHealth, drowning is the second most common cause of death for kids under the age of 14. So before jumping in, here are some reminders and resources for Bellingham families to stay safe in the water.

Get kids started with swim lessons early to give them confidence in the water.

Learn to Swim
This is pretty much the top recommendation for anyone of any age that is going in or near the water.

Bellingham Athletic Club offers swim lessons for ages six months to adult. Their twice a week, four-week course is $30 for members and $40 for non-members. Once kids pass the “Orca Level,” they can also join the BAC’s introductory swim team, Sea Wolves, which participates in swim meets throughout the Puget Sound.

Whatcom Family YMCA offers similar opportunities for lessons, with 5 lessons starting at $15 for members and $22.50 for non-members. They even have a Synchronized Swim class for kids ages 6 to 11.

Safety Certification
When your kids go swimming where there isn’t a certified lifeguard on duty, make sure they are with at least one adult that has Child CPR certification from the American Red Cross. The Mount Baker Chapter offers a variety of classes starting at $39 for First Aid and other training. They also have a Babysitter’s Training class, in case your teenager is interested in gaining some extra skills when it comes to watching younger siblings and other kids.

Quick Tips for Kids and Parents

• Have kids swim with a buddy, especially in lakes or streams. Always obey public postings that prohibit swimming.
• Drownings occur quickly, and in a crowded beach or pool, it can be difficult to identify a crisis in time. Even when swimming in a place with on-duty lifeguards, keep an eye on your kids.
• Don’t rely on play flotation devices; if your child isn’t a strong swimmer, insist that they wear a lifejacket in the water.
• Remember to drink lots of water and reapply sunscreen throughout the day when playing in the water.
• Whether swimming at a public pool, a lake, or in your own backyard, make sure kids know where the nearest phone is and that know how to make a 9-1-1 call.

If you have more safety tips or recommendations for local swim lessons to share, leave a comment or post in the Neighborhood-Kids.com Forum.

A Note About the Author: Theresa Carpine

Theresa Carpine is an online journalist for Neighborhood-Kids.com. When she’s not writing, she enjoys knitting, listening to music, and babysitting some really cute kids. Her favorite Bellingham activity is getting coffee at La Vie en Rose and used book browsing at Michael’s Books.