Learn To Swim And Where

By Shannon Randol, intern contributor, American Red Cross

Did you know Texas is ranked number one in the country for pool drownings? Tarrant County is ranked number two in the state. And the statistics haven’t changed for the past few years according to the Fort Worth Drowning Coalition.

The leading cause of death for children under the age of 4 is drowning, and it’s the second leading accidental death for children 14-years-old and younger according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  

For every child that drowns, another five receive medical attention for water-related injuries. 

Swim lessons can be expensive especially if you have more than one child, but we have a solution for you. The Fort Worth Drowning Prevention Coalition offers swim lessons at a number of locations for only $5!

  

Safe Swim Schedule: 

• June 16-19, June 23-26 2015 at Westside YMCA 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.  
• July 28-31, Aug 4-7 2015 at Southwest YMCA 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.  
• Aug 25-28, Sept 1-4 2015 at Marine Park Pool 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. 

Cost: 

• $5 for 8 swim lessons 

You can register for classes here. Take advantage quick as slots will fill up!  

The YMCA’s in both Dallas and Fort Worth also offer special scholarships to those who qualify for swim and fun summer programs.  Here are the links for both applications: 

THE YMCA CAMP GRADY SPRUCE, DALLAS TEXAS APPLICATION 

THE YMCA METROPOLITIAN FORT WORTH SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION 

The Red Cross team has also put together a number of resources and tips to help keep your family safe over the summer. Here are the some quick tips to stay safe: 

Water Safety 

• Never leave children unattended near water 
• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards 
• Never assume someone else is watching your children 
• Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and learn-to-swim courses.  
• Stay off of cell phones, give your attention 100 percent to supervising your children 
• Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, a cell phone, life jackets and first aid kit 
• Enroll in Red Cross first aid and CPR/AED courses to learn how to prevent and respond to emergencies  

Boating Safety from SafeKids.org: 

In 2011, 70 percent of all fatal boating accident victims drowned, and of those who drowned, 84 percent were not wearing a life jacket.  

• Have children wear a life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard while on boats. Make sure life jackets sit snugly. Have the child make a “touchdown” signal by raising both arms straight up; if the life jacket hits the child’s chin or ears, it may be too big or the straps may be too loose. 
• Don’t drink alcohol while operating a boat. A huge number of boating accidents each year involve alcohol consumption. 
• Infants and young kids are at a higher risk for hypothermia, so if you bring a baby on a boat take extra steps to keep them warm.  

Swimming is great exercise and the perfect way to tire out the kiddies during the summer. Take the necessary precautions to insure the safety of your children this summer and each summer to come.  

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Water Park Safey Tips for a Fun & Safe Summer Outing

by Munira Syeda, volunteer contributor

Summer is here and that means lots of fun time with family and friends. At Red Cross, however, we also want to make sure that you have a safe summer. 

If you and your family are planning to head to any of a number of water parks in North Texas this coming holiday weekend, please follow these important safety tips.

1. Wear comfortable clothing, such as a loose shirt and shorts, comfortable shoes, and a hat or sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Be sure to apply waterproof sunscreen generously and protect your skin against sunburns and skin cancer.

2. Follow all instructions for water rides and activities, including designated height and experience levels. Children who are under 48 inches and not strong swimmers should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

3. Actively supervise children and don’t be more than arm’s length away from them. To avoid the scenario of a child getting separated or lost, use a buddy system. Also designate a meeting place in case a family member gets separated.

4. It is a good idea to have all family members learn how to swim. You can enroll your family in age-appropriate Red Cross swim classes.

5. Keep yourself and your family hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Avoid caffeinated drinks since they contribute to dehydration. 

6. Practice cleanliness and stay healthy. Shower before participating in a water ride or activity. Wash your hands well after using the toilet. Take your children to the bathroom frequently throughout the day. If you have a baby, use waterproof diapers and change your baby’s diaper in designated changing areas.

7. Avoid alcohol consumption. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination; affects swimming and diving skills; and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.

8. If you see someone in trouble, call a lifeguard immediately and follow their instructions.

For more water safety tips, visit RedCross.org. Have a safe summer!

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The (Safe) Life Aquatic: Water Safety Tips for a Happy Summer

by Lauren McMinn Clarke, volunteer contributor

Do you prefer SPF 15 or SPF 75? Is your typical water entry a sleek dive or a crashing cannonball? Do you like to mingle with the fish, or would you rather float on a sherbet raft above the fray?

Whatever your heat-escaping water preferences are, it is so important to remember some general safety tips for your upcoming aqueous adventures.

Here are some basic safety reminders:

• Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards.
• Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone. Even at a public pool or a lifeguarded beach, use the buddy system!
• Ensure that everyone in the family learns to swim well. Enroll in age-appropriate Red Cross water orientation and Learn-to-Swim courses.
• Never leave a young child unattended near water and do not trust a child’s life to another child; teach children to always ask permission to go near water.
• Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
• Establish rules for your family and enforce them without fail. For example, set limits based on each person’s ability, do not let anyone play around drains and suction fittings, and do not allow swimmers to hyperventilate before swimming under water or have breath-holding contests.
• Even if you do not plan on swimming, be cautious around natural bodies of water including ocean shoreline, rivers and lakes. Cold temperatures, currents and underwater hazards can make a fall into these bodies of water dangerous.
• If you go boating, wear a life jacket! Most boating fatalities occur from drowning. 
• Avoid alcohol use. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination; affects swimming and diving skills; and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.

Please visit RedCross.org for a comprehensive list of water safety tips.

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