Swimming Lessons Media Tips

7/25/2024

Talking Points for Adult and Child Swimming Lessons with Emphasis on Drowning Prevention

For Adults

1. Importance of Learning to Swim

  • Learning to swim is a critical life skill for safety and enjoyment of water activities.

  • Reference: American Red Cross.

2. Understanding Water Safety Rules

  • Always swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.

  • Never swim alone; use the buddy system.

  • Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

3. Recognizing and Avoiding Hazards

  • Be aware of water currents, weather conditions, and potential obstacles.

  • Avoid swimming after consuming alcohol or drugs.

  • Reference: National Safety Council.

4. Emergency Preparedness

  • Learn CPR and basic water rescue techniques.

  • Know how to use flotation devices effectively.

  • Reference: American Heart Association.

5. Supervising Children

  • Constant, active supervision when children are in or near water.

  • Use barriers like pool fences and ensure they are properly installed and maintained.

  • Reference: Safe Kids Worldwide.

For Children

1. Basic Swimming Skills

  • Teaching floating, treading water, and basic strokes when developmentally ready.

  • Building confidence and reducing fear of water.

  • Reference: American Red Cross and American Academy of Pediatrics.

2. Water Safety Rules

  • Never swim alone; always swim with a buddy.

  • Obey pool rules and lifeguard instructions.

  • Reference: YMCA.

3. Understanding Drowning Risks

  • Awareness of the dangers of water, including fast-moving currents and deep water.

  • Importance of wearing life jackets in open water.

  • Reference: National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).

4. Emergency Response

  • Knowing how to call for help in an emergency.

  • Learning to recognize signs of distress in others.

  • Reference: American Academy of Pediatrics.

5. Parental Involvement

  • Encouragement and active participation in swimming lessons.

  • Reinforcing water safety practices at home and during recreational activities.

  • Reference: Safe Kids Worldwide.

Reference Organizations and Agencies

1. American Red Cross - Provides comprehensive swimming and water safety programs.

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Offers guidelines and statistics on drowning prevention.

3. National Safety Council - Provides resources on water safety and accident prevention.

4. American Heart Association - Offers CPR and emergency response training.

5. Safe Kids Worldwide - Focuses on preventing childhood injuries, including drowning.

6. YMCA - Conducts swimming lessons and promotes water safety for all ages.

7. National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) - Research child health and safety, including drowning prevention.

8. American Academy of Pediatrics - Provides guidance on pediatric health and safety, including water safety.

These talking points can be tailored to different audiences and settings, emphasizing the importance of swimming skills and water safety to prevent drowning incidents.