When people picture what it looks like to drown, many see a cartoon-like image of someone wildly flailing their arms and splashing while bobbing about in the middle of a pool or a lake. What people don’t realize is that drowning is almost always nearly silent, and it doesn’t take a large body of water for it to happen, nor does it always happen while people are actually in the pool and swimming together.
Drowning Doesn’t Always Occur When a Child Is Swimming
Sometimes a swimming child will find him or herself in a situation where he or she needs help in order to avoid an emergency when in the pool, lake or ocean during a planned swimming session. But the reality is, drownings most often occur when people aren’t even swimming.
It takes only seconds for a youngster to unknowingly leave the home through an unlocked sliding glass door, through a backyard gate and even through a pet or “doggie” door. And sadly, this is the typical situation for childhood drowning.
This can, and has, happened to even the best of parents for a variety of reasons.
Distraction
Parents and caregivers responsible for watching over kids often multitask and are engaged in other activities like food preparation, checking emails, doing laundry and so many other daily activities that are necessary.
Distance
Younger children who are not within eyesight of a responsible parent or caregiver are at a much greater risk of drowning. Even a quick trip to the bathroom or running into the kitchen to grab a snack can be potentially hazardous for a curious child.
False Sense of Security
Security in numbers is something far too few of us rely on. This is something which resonates with the friends and family of Levi Hughes, a beautiful 3-year-old boy who suffered a tragic drowning after quietly exiting a room filled with children and responsible adults. It’s vital to never assume someone else is watching a child.
Little Waves Swim Lessons are a Proven Preventative Measure in Drowning
Swimming lessons play a critical role in teaching children to have a healthy respect for the water and how to survive should they find themselves in a dangerous, life-threatening situation.
Children around the age of one can successfully learn valuable life-saving swim skills which ensures that they can remain safe should they find themselves in an unanticipated dangerous aquatic environment.
The Survival Swim lessons we teach allows babies and toddlers to learn how to easily roll from their fronts to their backs in the water and then float until found.
For children who are in preschool or elementary school, we offer private lessons that are geared towards teaching children important swim skills and how to be respectful of the water in a fun and engaging environment.
For more information on lessons please visit us online, or give us a call (207) 239-0546