Swim Safely This Summer
Read our published article: ‘Swim Safely this Summer’ in Families London Surrey Borders magazine here.
Swimming promotes well-being, improves health and fitness, aids rehabilitation, encourages relaxation and, let’s not forget, it is FUN. It is also important to recognise swimming as a life-saving skill, one that deserves practice and time. Swimming lessons build water confidence, improves swimming ability and helps develop a range of valuable skills.
When summer arrives and the sun shines, water is all the more appealing. However, did you know, almost half of UK accidental drownings occur between May and August?
Whilst mastering swimming can take time, today, you can learn how to enjoy the water safely. Read our tips to help keep you and your family safe near water.
Take the time to become familiar with your surroundings and spot the dangers! When using swimming pools, take notice of pool signs: Do you know where the shallow/deep-end is? When visiting beaches, check the local weather and tidal information. Look for safety signs and coloured flags which tell you where and when it is safe to swim. Never swim past the buoys. Always check if there is a lifeguard on duty.
Never leave children unaccompanied in the water. Enter the water slowly and safely, especially when the water may be cold. Stay within reach to others and stay within your depth. Feeling tired? Exit the water and rest! If you are struggling to swim, turn on to your back and float.
In an emergency, call 999. Shout for help and wave your arms for attention. If others need help, support by throwing them something that floats. Do not put yourself at risk, do not enter the water.
We believe everyone should have the opportunity to learn how to save themselves and others in the water. Learning to swim is lifesaving skill but it is also the start of many other water-based activities from scuba-diving, snorkelling, surfing... and many more! It is an activity that should be enjoyed by everyone. Get swimming this summer but, remember to swim safely!
