According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention “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.