This month, is National Water Safety Month, and as a result, the Houseful of Littles have partnered with the British Swim Schools of Chicago as they sponsor this very important conversation. My children are not ones to shy away from a pool of water, but in all things, I want them to be properly trained to be near large bodies of water, so that I don’t have to worry SO much. I mean, I’m a mom first and foremost.
Swim class started with them being put into the minnow group, and learning the basics of floating on their backs and being comfortable enough to listen to their instructor. Sir Twizzler is a little more reserved when it comes to the water, but the girls are all in, and definitely excited to be learning! I do so enjoy seeing them interact in themed weeks, like “clothing week” where they learned how to properly act in water just in case they find themselves having to swim WITH clothes on. The ladybug is super comfortable in the pool, but because she’s not a strong swimmer, it’s been interesting to see her progress from water lover to actually being able to float and know cues from her siblings in regard to needing help. Yep, they teach you how to rescue others as well.
Here are some tips from the British Swim School in regard to National Water Safety Month, that I feel are pretty important to know, even IF you are a great swimmer.
- Always swim with a buddy
- Never leave a young child unattended near the water
- Don’t assume that a child who knows how to swim isn’t at risk of drowning
- Know how to identify swimmers in need
- As fun as it is to swim with friends or family, refrain from horseplay in or near the water
These are definitely important tips for young people learning to swim, and in general. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen teenagers or adults even, clowning around the pool area, and not paying attention to younger swimmers around them. It happens in hotel pools ALL OF THE TIME, and I get so tired of having to move my children around the offending parties, or pulling them back into the room until the folks leave the area. However, I can tell you that the one on one attention that they get at British Swim School is properly preparing them to be able to handle themselves in the most upstanding ways.
You’ll also remember that I’m a certified Red Cross CPR instructor, and while I am not a lifeguard by any means, I do take water safety seriously. Here’s something from the Red Cross to save to your phone if you need.
You’ll see that a lot of the rules cross over everywhere. That’s how you know they’re important!
I look forward to seeing the rest of the progress that the houseful of littles make while they are attending their swimming lessons with the British Swim School of Chicago. The instructors are patient, the pool is bright, and I can watch my littles the entire time. I do attempt to keep my comments limited because I do know that kids have an affinity for listening to their parents instead of instructors, or trying to show off for their parents, when they should be paying attention. I have had to let the ladybug know that she isn’t Olympic standards just yet, and that listening to her instructor may just get her there. However, we’re going to bask in the fact that by the end of summer, and the start of our heavy travel schedule for the fall, the kids may be just fine in the pools at the hotels that we stay in. What a wonderful thought to have as National Water Safety Month comes to a close.
Wow very inspirational and motivational to someone like me who is afraid to learn how to swim even though I really want too. Thanks for sharing tips.
I shared this post earlier this morning!! My children need to be properly trained around water…they love it but I need them to be aware of the dangers as well!
Great info. Some people don’t take water safety seriously. I’ve seen one to many ungated pools too. It’s so dangerous. I make sure my kids are cautious, but also I do drills with them like treading water and floating.
My kids have been in swimming lessons for almost a year. It is the one thing that we will not stop until they are great swimmers and know all the safety rules and techniques. This is such an important topic.
I can’t swim, but I am thankful that both of my boys can swim. They get lessons in school, but not until 3rd grade. They learned long before that – on their own.
This is so important! Everyone should learn how to swim. It’s not just an issue of knowing how, it’s also a HUGE safety issue.
I think everyone should know how to swim. I love reading stories like this that show that you can conquer your fears.
This is an awesome post! I have seen people with pools have their children almost drown because their child did not know how to swim, and they thought their “little angel” wouldn’t go near the pool. EVERY person needs to know how to swim whether 1 or 101, and the younger you teach them, the more respect they have for the water. I know adults who cannot swim and they panic when a child falls in the pool. I am so thankful I learned how to swim before I could walk. If you have a pool, even if your child can swim, make sure you have a locked gate to access the pool, you never know what children will do when you turn your back for even a split second.
Where I live if they don’t know how to swim then you didn’t do something right. It is so hot here in almost everybody has a pool I started swimming lessons with my son at two years old and he is a great swimmer now. I’m glad that they actually have a water safety month because it brings open discussion that usually was never brought to light before.
Great post! I think everyone should take a swim lesson, it’s vital if you are planning on enjoying the water! Water safety month is great way to open the eyes of parents and children! You just don’t know what could happen and it’s better to be prepared then not too!
Love the safety tips. Water safety is so important whether you have a pool, or live near a lake or ocean. Great tips with summer nearing.
I think getting the word out about swimming safety is super important and taking these swim lessons was a great idea. It will be fun to make some pool and beach visits this summer.
These are SUCH great tips. Everyone should totally take swimming lessons, because it totally helps. This is seriously so awesome.
Your kids look like they are having so much fun! I really believe strongly that kids at young ages should know how to swim and how to stay safe around water. !
It’s finally hot enough to go swimming! My kids love the pool. Water safety is always a top priority.
It was very important to me that my daughter learned how to swim at an early age. Your kids look like they are having a blast!
So important. We are working hard on finding a great swim school for our kids. The swim lessons they have had in the past have been worthless. WE need to get them safe in the water sooner than later!! Kids need to know the water but also be albe to have fun!
I think it is so important to teach kids how to swim. The lessons are great exercise and they are learning a skill that could save their life one day.
I need to sign my boys up for swim lessons. They have not been yet. This is a good reminder for me that they need to go soon. I will check around at some places this weekend.
These tips are great. It is so important to teach your kids to be safe around water.
I know that we all like to go to the beach during the summer. It is so important to teach our kids how to swim so that they can enjoy the beach and the parents can relax a little better knowing their kids can swim.
I need to take my child to learn to swim. I would hate for him to drown. I am thinking that this month is the time to do it whether than waiting another year.
Water safety is so important. I think it’s great that your kids are learning more than just the basics of swimming.
Such a great skill to have! My youngest one is two now and has been swimming since he was 6 months
Swimming lessons are so critical to children’s safety. It’s a fun activity to do so they enjoy the lessons. Bonus!
These are really great reminders. Keeping your family safe while enjoying is really important!
These are great tips to keep the kids safe this Summer. I love the idea of teaching kids all about the safe ways to do things and make sure they are prepared in case the worst happened. The Summer has a lot of dangers and a lot of fun so it’s good to keep that in mind.
I just love your water safety tips! It is important to always be aware of the water and how to be safe around it.
Very important tips especially for the summer when everyone is hot. Thanks for the extra tips!
Such sweet images of joy
I agree with your great post! I was fortunate to learn water safety as I had my Life Guard training as a teen
This is such a great post and we have our childrens names down for lessons, unfortunately we are oversubscribed in our area so have to wait for others to drop out before we can get the lessons!!