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My mom was in town for a few weeks this month. When we were driving by the local lake, we noticed an ambulance and water rescue crew near the water. My mom expressed her hope that everyone was okay. But the knowledge I have from being a firefighter’s wife (Jamie has some water rescue experience) told me that was probably not the case. And they weren’t. Guys, water safety needs to be taken seriously. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a little water or a large body of it; whether you’re 2 years old or 35; whether you know how to swim well or not….water doesn’t care about all that. It’s so important to practice water safety habits regularly regardless of your experience level. This will keep you – and everyone around you – as safe as possible.
An article in the Columbus Dispatch earlier this month highlighted some startling statistics. In May alone, SEVEN people drowned in central Ohio. Only two of those were young children. Another was a teen and three others were kayakers. One of them was even wearing a life jacket. So you can see, water safety is something everyone needs to be aware of. Especially since we’re in the middle of summer where water activities are so common.
So what can we do?
We can be aware that water safety is an ongoing issue. And remind others about the importance of water safety. We can practice good water safety habits ourselves so we can be an example to our kids.
It’s important for us to teach them not to give into peer pressure, especially when the other kids are being unsafe or doing something beyond his or her ability level.
And we must give our kids all the tools and knowledge they need to stay safe in the event that they or someone nearby gets into trouble in the water. Even the most basic of swim skills, like floating on your back, can be helpful.
One of the things I love about Goldfish Swim School is that my priority for Liam – water safety – is their priority too. The teachers there aren’t just teaching our little ones how to have fun in the water. Or how to be around it without tears. Or turn our kids into the next Michael Phelps. Though those things are very good. But their #1 focus is to make sure our kids are safe. As a mom, I definitely couldn’t ask for anything more. Do you agree?
This post is part of our partnership with Goldfish Swim School. As always, all the photos, words and opinions in this blog are completely my own.
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