Swimming will always be a summertime pleasure for most children. Swimming also provides a quick solution to cool down during the hot and sweltering months. It is also refreshing and provides great exercise. But before we go jumping into the nearest swimming pool or lake, I would like to inform you on some facts about drowning preventive care and wellness to stay safe around water.
Sadly, the CDC (2022) reported that children ages 1-4 are the highest risk for swimming pool drownings. In addition, children 1-14 years has the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes. Furthermore, there are 11 deaths a day from drowning, and over 40% of these incidents need emergency room treatment (CDC, 2022).
– Boys are 80% more likely to drown than girls.
– African-American children downing are 1.5 times higher than the rates for White children. African-American children ages 5-9 years are 2.6 times higher, and ages 10-14 years are 3.6 times higher compared to white children. In addition, swimming pool drowning incidents are 7.5 times likely in African-American children while White children will more than likely drown in residential pools. (CDC, 2022).
– Children less than 1 years old and children who have a heart condition, have autism, and who have seizure disorders have the highest bathtub drowning unintentional deaths.
– Not knowing how to swim or a being a weak swimmer.
– An unfenced swimming pool.
– Lack of supervision where an able swimmer is in close in proximity such as a lifeguard.
– Not wearing life jacket.
– The use of alcohol or drugs that will impair the judgement and decision making.
– You and the parent obtain swimming lessons.
– Have an enclosed swimming area, avoid leaving toys in the swimming pool to hinder from children being attracted to them.
– Have a designated adult who will not be distracted while watching the children swim.
– Learn Basic Life Support/CPR
– Avoid alcohol or any drug use.
– Use a buddy system, especially for disabled children.
Relaxing at the pool, lake, or ocean will always be a family favorite. However, taking steps to plan ahead and taking an active role in preventing drowning incidents are crucial for our children to remain safe near water activities.
Below, I listed some places in San Antonio where adults and children can take swimming lessons for beginners or intermediate swimmers.
– The City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation offers FREE swimming & lifeguard lessons. The swimming lessons are for various ages including adults, and various levels of swimmers. https://www.sanantonio.gov/ParksAndRec/Programs-Classes-Fun/Fun-On-Your-Own/Swimming-Aquatics#229452774-swim-lessons
– The YMCA offers both adult and children as young as 6 months at various. https://ymcasatx.org/programs/swimming/youth-swim-lessons
Private Companies that offer swimming lessons for adult and children
– Aqua Tots Swim School. https://www.aqua-tots.com/north-central-san-antonio/?utm_source=Profiles&utm_medium=GoogleMaps&utm_campaign=AquaTots
– Elmer Swim School. https://emlerswimschool.com/?utm_term=swimming%20classes&utm_campaign=Search:+Emler+Swim
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2022a). https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/facts/
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (2022b).
For more information about drowning prevention and wellness call us at (210) 625-5708
