I was at the YMCA at Russell Creek over the weekend. It's a great place to pick up pertinent information. As I waited for my husband I picked up a flyer about safe swimming. This is a focus for the Y. They provide swimming lessons in many low-income apartment complex pools.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88% among children ages 1 to 4. That fact is amazing!
One minute is all it takes for a child to drown. What can you do?
1) Test & Teach-Have your child tested and provide swimming lessons at the level they need
2) Watch & Guard-Never leave a child unattended around water. Appoint at least one adult "Water Watcher" to supervise all water and pool activities.
3) Throw, don't go-Often drownings are multiplied because somebody tries to be a hero. If you see someone struggling in the water at a pool or lake, NEVER jump in to rescue. Instead, throw out an approved flotation device or use a pole to reach the drowning victim.
Hope these tips help everyone stay safe in the water!
Tracy Morgan is the director of women's and children's services at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano and a Mom/Stepmom to three kids.
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