School’s out for the summer, which means families are gearing up to spend more time by the pool, at the beach, and on the river. Because Jacksonville offers more beachfront than any other city in Florida and features the longest stretch of the St. Johns River running through St. Johns and Duval counties, the First Coast YMCA wants to ensure both adults and children practice water safety this summer. Drownings can take place nearly anywhere, and it is the leading cause of death for children between ages 1 and 4.
Unfortunately, we’ve already heard about fatal drowning incidents on the First Coast this summer, which is why we want to provide parents and caregivers with as much information as possible to keep you and your child knowledgeable around water this summer.
Here are a few tips to keep your loved ones safe!
Teach Them Early
The earlier you can get your child comfortable in the water and swimming, the better. Parents can sign their child up for swim lessons as early as 6
months old. The YMCA’s Swim Starters class introduces infants as young as 6 months to the water to build their comfort level. The YMCA teaches key skill sequences to parents and kids that can be lifesaving. These include teaching children to “swim, float, swim” until they are able to reach a wall or the exit of the pool, and “jump-push-turn-grab” if they reach the bottom of the pool. These sequences are especially important in case a child becomes over-exhausted in the pool or in the event they unexpectedly fall in. The YMCA also offers Swim Basics and Strokes classes to develop basic water
skills and master stroke techniques.
Know Your Child’s Skill Level
Do not assume your child’s level of swimming each summer and know that it can change year to year. It’s important to test your child’s swimming skills with an expert before you allow them to swim. As a parent, this will give
you a stronger and more reliable understanding of your child’s ability in the water and determine how to further develop their skills.
Suit Up!
Make sure young children who cannot swim or are not strong swimmers always wear a life jacket and use proper water safety and flotation devices. These devices can double as both a fun water toy and a lifeline in the case of an emergency.
Maintain Supervision and Sightlines
It is important to educate your child early about water safety so they understand the dangers anytime they are near a standing body of water without proper supervision. With that being said, parents should always actively supervise children in and around the water. Pools should be secured with appropriate barriers at home, and children should always ask permission before entering the water. When at a community or public pool, maintain your children within your sightline as well as the certified lifeguards.
Find a Buddy
Use the buddy system! Make sure to designate swim buddies for children
visiting the beach, lake, or pool so they do not swim alone. For more information about the First Coast YMCA’s swimming programs, call (904) 265.1775 or contact your local Y.
About the Author
Delraye Norris is the First Coast YMCA Regional Aquatics Director.
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