Rancho Santa Fe Swimming Lessons At Home

National Water Safety Month is Going Strong!

By: Rose Beasley

The temperatures are rising, the school semester is coming to a close, and people are ready for summer fun. That means the swimming pools are opening everywhere and people are eager to make a splash.  However, all that fun has to be accompanied by some responsibility. National Water Safety Month takes place annually each May, and is proclaimed as a joint effort of the World Waterpark Association, the American Red Cross, the National Recreation and Park Association and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance.

Now in their 11th year of partnering with  NWSM, these organizations represent businesses and other  agencies involved in bringing safe, enjoyable aquatic activities to the American public, from home pools to waterparks and resorts, public swimming and water recreation facilities. This designation has been made in recognition of the continually increasing popularity of swimming and other water-related recreational activities in the United States. This has also resulted in a higher need for ongoing public education concerning safer water practices. Such practices include swim lessons, the buddy system, parental supervision, following the posted rules, and always being “water aware.”

The importance of Water Safety

Water safety is so important because People drown when too much water gets into their lungs causing them to stop producing oxygen into the blood stream. This creates a domino effect in that the brain is now not receiving enough oxygen nor is the rest of the body and it begins to shut down. Drowning is the second most common cause of death from injuries among kids under the age of 14. Plus, it can happen so fast. In many cases, it can happen in less than two minutes after someone's head is submerged under water and that leaves a very small window of opportunity for rescuing.

Swimming and other aquatic activities are great fun and exercise for the entire family and in no way do we want to discourage you from enjoying them.  Just remember how important it is to follow safety guidelines at the pool, waterpark, beach, lake or anywhere else water activities are involved.

For more information visit the official Red Cross website, Aqua Magazine, or any site involving water safety and precautions.  Let's make this the safest and most fun summer yet!

This article is brought to you by: The Swimming Swan