Swimming is a great way for children to cool off and have fun during hot summer months. However, when it comes to toddlers, swimming can also be a dangerous activity if proper safety measures are not taken. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths among children aged 1 to 4 years old. Today, I'd like to explore the importance of swim safety for toddlers and some measures that can be taken to ensure their safety. Most importantly, I would like to share what the Bahorich family does to make sure our kids are safe in the water.
Importance of Swim Safety for Toddlers
Toddlers are curious by nature and are attracted to water, but they are also at risk of drowning. Unlike older children and adults, toddlers do not have the strength, coordination, or judgment to swim or even stay afloat in water. They also have a higher body surface area to body mass ratio, which makes them more susceptible to hypothermia in cold water.
Moreover, drowning can occur quickly and silently, even in shallow water or when a child is left unattended for a few seconds. It only takes a few inches of water for a toddler to drown, which is why it is essential to ensure that they are always supervised when near water.
Swim Safety Measures for Toddlers
To prevent drowning and ensure the safety of toddlers around water, several measures should be taken. These include:
- Supervision: Always supervise toddlers when they are near water. Whether it's a pool, bathtub, or a bucket of water, never leave a toddler unattended, even for a few seconds.
- Fencing: Install a fence around a pool or any other body of water that a toddler can access. The fence should be at least four feet high and have a self-closing and self-latching gate.
- Swim Lessons: Enroll toddlers in swim lessons that focus on water safety and basic swimming skills. However, keep in mind that swim lessons do not make a child drown-proof, and they still require constant supervision.
- Life Jackets: Have toddlers wear a properly fitting Coast Guard-approved life jacket when near or in water. A life jacket can provide additional flotation and keep a child's head above water if they accidentally fall in.
- Drain Safety: Ensure that pool and spa drains have appropriate covers to prevent entrapment, which can lead to drowning.
Goldfish Swim School
Goldfish Swim School is a popular swim school location that offers swim lessons for children from as young as 4 months old up to 12 years old. The school uses a unique, play-based curriculum that focuses on safety, stroke development, and fun. They have a welcoming and friendly atmosphere that makes children feel comfortable and excited to learn.
Goldfish Swim School also offers a variety of classes, including group, private, and semi-private lessons, which cater to different skill levels and learning styles. We have been at Goldfish Swim School for over 18 months and I cannot say enough good things about it. It has proven to be a great environment for our kids to learn how to respect the water and develop their skills.
How to Sign Up
To sign up for Goldfish Swim School, follow these steps:
- Go to the Goldfish Swim School website and select the location nearest to you.
- Browse through the classes offered and select the one that best fits your child's age, skill level, and schedule.
- Fill out the online registration form, which includes your child's information, your contact information, and payment details.
- Review and agree to the terms and conditions, including the cancellation policy and payment plan.
- Submit the registration form, and you will receive a confirmation email with details about your child's class schedule, what to bring to class, and other important information.
- On the first day of class, arrive early to meet the instructor, tour the facility, and get your child ready for their first lesson.
If you have any questions or need assistance with the registration process, you can contact the Goldfish Swim School location directly, and they will be happy to assist you. Overall, Goldfish Swim School is an excellent choice for parents who want to provide their children with high-quality swim lessons in a safe and fun environment.
Swimming is a fun and enjoyable activity, but it can also be dangerous, especially for toddlers. It is essential to take the necessary safety measures to ensure their safety when they are near water. Always supervise toddlers, install fencing, enroll them in swim lessons, have them wear a life jacket, and ensure that pool and spa drains have appropriate covers. By taking these precautions, parents can prevent drowning and provide a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for their toddlers.
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