Swimming!

Now that summer is upon us I feel it's appropriate to discuss water safety and what drowning looks like.

Rarely does it look like what we see in the movies; flailing, splashing, screaming. It's often silent and unnoticed.

Last week we were sitting in a hot tub with our son where he was sitting on the top step with the water barely covering his out-stretched legs. He weighs less than 25 lbs so any movement in the water really sways him and causes him to lose his balance. I was standing right next to him talking to my husband when all of the sudden Martin says, "WHOA! Get him!" In that spilt second, Bub lost his balance and was submerged. I scooped him up immediately but not before he swallowed/inhaled some water. I'm relating this story to show how quickly it can occur and that even though you're right there, you still need to be vigilant.

Water is the one thing I'm most terrified of as a parent. I learned to swim quite late by most standards, but have loved the water ever since. I've been on the swim team, been a lifeguard, taught swim lessons, been scuba diving and snorkeling, but still, I have a very healthy respect for the water.

I have taught private and group lessons, in public pools and in private pools. What's best for your child? Whatever helps them learn to swim! Even with my son, we practice "jumping in" and turning around to swim back to the wall. Can he do this on his own? No. But, we practice it now and keep reinforcing the correct pattern and behaviors. Ideally, you want your child to swim, but they also need to know that if they fall in or are accidentally pushed in, they can turn around and swim to the wall, or flip over to their backs and float. These are the two most important lessons.

The American Red Cross offers classes around the nation. I'm sure your city offers lessons in addition to private swim schools.

And, while the kids are getting their lesson, how about you take a CPR class? See what I did there? Have a great summer!