THE WOODLANDS, TX — In a recent announcement, the American Red Cross emphasized the critical importance of vigilance and strong swimming skills in maintaining water safety. Vanessa Valdez, Regional Communications Manager, highlighted the need for active adult supervision and the necessity for everyone to learn to swim to prevent drowning incidents. The organization's Water Safety programs and Swim App have been instrumental in reducing drownings, as tragic events continue to claim lives across the country.
Critical Water Safety Tips
- Swim Education: Encourage all family members to become proficient swimmers.
- Supervision: Adults must actively supervise children, staying within arm's reach of young swimmers.
- Pool Safety: Install four-sided, four-foot fencing around pools and spas with self-closing gates.
- Life Jackets: Always wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets on boats and in challenging water situations.
- Buddy System: Swim with a partner, especially in areas with lifeguards present.
- Emergency Procedures: Learn how to assist individuals in distress without putting yourself at risk, including knowledge of when to call 9-1-1 and how to perform CPR.
Water Competency Standards
A recent Red Cross survey revealed that a significant portion of the population lacks basic swimming skills, with 54 percent unable to swim at all. The key 'water competency' skills recommended by the Red Cross include jumping into deep water, floating or treading water, finding an exit, swimming to safety, and exiting the water. Those lacking these skills are advised to enroll in Red Cross Learn-to-Swim classes for comprehensive training.
Swim Lessons and Safety Programs
Red Cross swim lessons focus on developing essential skills and safety behaviors for individuals of all ages. These programs aim to enhance comfort and safety in and around water. Interested individuals can explore age-appropriate Learn-to-Swim options by contacting local aquatic facilities or visiting redcross.org/takeaclass.
Red Cross Swim App
The Red Cross Swim App is a valuable tool for promoting water safety education, particularly for parents and caregivers of young swimmers. Featuring kid-friendly games, informative videos, and engaging quizzes, the app is designed to enhance learning and awareness. It is available for free download under 'American Red Cross' in various app stores or through http://3cu.be/shareswim.
Home Pool Essentials Course
For pool and hot tub owners, the Red Cross and National Swimming Pool Foundation® (NSPF) offer the Home Pool Essentials online safety course. This resource covers important aspects of pool ownership, including risk management, maintenance practices, safety equipment usage, entrapment hazard prevention, and emergency response protocols. Visit HomePoolEssentials.org for more information on this essential course.