Teach Your Child How to Swim!

Recently, there have been news reports on accidental drownings of children. This should not happen but unfortunately it does and the statistics are staggering.

1. Drowning is the second leading cause of death in children ages one to nineteen.

2. In 2007, over 3000 people died due to unintentional drownings in the United States.

3. In 2006, over 1000 children died due to unintentional drowning.

4. For every one child who died from drowning, another four were treated in the ER for submersion injuries.

5. Most drownings occurred in a home swimming pool and were left unsupervised for less than five minutes.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend children as young as four to learn how to swim. Toddler aquatic programs such as "water-babies" are helpful in teaching children to enjoy the water but may not accelerate the learning process. Studies indicate children learn to be "good" swimmers at a mean age of five and a half.

The best prevention tip is supervision, supervision, supervision!!!
Parents should also learn basic CPR. Contact your local American Red Cross Chapter or hospital for more information.

There are many venues that offer swimming lessons. The YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, and local colleges/universities provide lessons. Salisbury University has a summer program, Sea Gull Swim School, that follows the American Red Cross Learn to Swim Program. The American Red Cross can also help locate a local swim instructor.

Let's keep our children safe! Thanks!