Importance of Water Safety: From Near Drowning to Olympic Glory
As an Olympic swimmer, I’ve spent my entire life in the water, learning its rhythms and understanding its power. But no matter how confident you are in the pool, one truth remains: water can be both a source of joy and a place of danger. In fact, at just five years old, I nearly drowned during a family trip to an amusement park. Had it not been for the quick response of a nearby lifeguard and the CPR protocol that followed, I would not be able to share my story today.
A Valuable Swim Lesson That Sparked an Olympic Journey
Following this devastating incident, my parents knew they had to take action. They enrolled me in swim lessons immediately, recognizing the danger of water and the necessity of swim safety. It was a decision that not only made me safer but placed me on a path to becoming a four-time Olympic medalist and World Champion Swimmer.
Making Water Safety a Lifesaving Priority for Kids
Many people don’t realize that drowning remains the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages 1-4 in the United States and the second leading cause for older children. This makes water safety a fundamental skill, especially for kids.
As a drowning survivor and a parent, I have partnered with Goldfish Swim School as a part of my mission to help ensure children across all communities are taught the essential swim safety habits that can help save their lives.
Empowering Every Child with Lifesaving Water Safety Skills
Water safety isn’t just about knowing how to swim—it’s about creating an environment where every child can enjoy water confidently, with the knowledge that they’re equipped to handle unexpected situations. As someone who has competed at the highest level, I can tell you: every child deserves to experience the water safely, whether they’re at a local pool, a beach, or even just playing in the backyard.
With warmer months and summer fast approaching, it is important to recognize that a reported 23% of child drownings occur during family gatherings near pools, while an astounding 88% of child drownings happen with at least one adult present. These statistics underscore a significant gap in water safety awareness, as many families, especially those with young children, may not fully grasp how quickly accidents can happen in and around bodies of water.
The good news amongst scary statistics, is that formal swim lessons have been shown to reduce the risk of downing by 88% for children between the ages of 1 and 4. This means prioritizing swim lessons for young kids is a no-brainer! Whether your family is planning a trip to the beach, a waterpark, a cruise, a stay in a hotel, or even just to visit a friend’s backyard pool, now is the time to take proactive steps to ensure your kids can interact safely in and around water. Plus, swim lessons teach children a multitude of skills that can contribute to a stronger health and wellbeing for the rest of their lives
Here are some of the added benefits of swim lessons for children:
- Swimming is an excellent form of exercise and is great for your heart. Developing the skills for swimming early can help individuals reap health benefits for the rest of their lives!
- Swimming can strengthen lung capacity and improve endurance for other sports. While I am partial to swimming, your kid may have aspirations for dance, tennis, or football. Swimming is a great first sport. Getting them confident in the water now can enhance their athletic abilities no matter where they land!
- Swimming can improve sleep and reduce stress and anxiety. As parents, we all want our kids to have a good night’s sleep. Your kid may not see that as a win, but all parents know it is. Plus, in a world where stress and anxiety can be overwhelming, it’s great to provide a fun activity that can help improve mental health.
- Swimming can improve motor skills. Children who start swim lessons young have been shown to have improved balance.
- Swimming builds confidence. Water can seem scary when you are young, but getting your kid in the pool early can help your child learn how to face their fears and respect the water. They can take these skills with them well into adulthood!
Wrap-Up
As you prepare for a fun summer ahead, make sure that you are doing your job as a parent to ensure your child will be safe for all the water activities imaginable! Sign them up for swim lessons and know that you will be providing your child with skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.
