As summer approaches, thoughts are shifting toward warm weather and days by the pool. Here are a few general water safety tips to keep in mind this summer from The Swim Gym, Inc. located in Woodcliff Lake.
1. There is no substitute for active parental supervision. Active supervision involves being either in the water or directly on the side of the pool with your child/children. While parents are watching their children, they should not be reading a book, on the phone, or engaged in deep conversations with others.
2. It's OK to take a break and rest. Often children are distracted by their friends and being outside, and they can get tired while trying to keep up. Remind them to take a break. They can always go back in the pool later.
3. Review water safety rules with children before going to the pool, the lake, or the beach. These rules include never swimming alone, no swimming when there is no lifeguard present, no rough play or running, and no swimming in areas over their skill level, i.e. the deep end.
4. Flotation devices are no substitute for supervision. More often than not flotation devices (kick boards, water wings, life vests) do not put children in the proper swimming position and can actually be dangerous. Do not rely on a floating toy or aide to keep a child from getting tired or going under.
5. Enroll in swim lessons. Find a program that offers year-round swim lessons with a focus on the fundamentals. Swimming is a set of skills that needs to be continually practiced. However, do not rely solely on swim lessons as a safeguard against accidents. Swim lessons help, but are only part of the larger water safety picture. A combination of supervision, swim lessons, and parental education is paramount to water safety.
Swimming is a fun activity that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy. By following these brief steps, you and the kids are on your way to having a safer, fun summer in and around the pool, beach or lake!
See you at the pool!
Mr. Carl
For more information about The Swim Gym, Inc. visit their website www.theswimgymnj.com, email or call 201-345-4499.
About the Author:
Disclosure: Macaroni Kid of Northern and Pascack Valley was compensated in exchange for this article.
For more information about The Swim Gym, Inc. visit their website www.theswimgymnj.com, email or call 201-345-4499.
About the Author:
Mr. Carl grew up in Bergen County. He was a member of the Bergen Catholic High School and Montclair YMCA swim teams. Mr. Carl studied Marine Biology at the University of Miami and was part of the swim team from 1999-2001. Shortly after graduating, he worked for the National Park Service in Homestead, Florida. Swimming had always been a large part of Mr. Carl's life and no matter where he was, he always found himself teaching swim lessons on the side. After moving back to New Jersey, Mr. Carl opened his own swim school in 2012 to share his knowledge with the community. With locations in Woodcliff Lake and Westwood, The Swim Gym focuses on fundamental swimming skills, water safety, and fun. It is the goal of The Swim Gym to build a community of strong and confident swimmers. "I believe that with the right attitude, the right environment, and the right teacher, Anyone can Swim!"
Disclosure: Macaroni Kid of Northern and Pascack Valley was compensated in exchange for this article.
