With summer just around the corner, the allure of pools and water activities is undeniable. As we prepare for a season filled with fun, it’s essential to prioritize the safety of our children around water. Water safety instruction might seem like just another item on your schedule, but they are incredibly important for your child’s safety and development. Let’s explore why enrolling your children in a water safety instruction program this summer is a wonderful decision.

Why Water Safety Instruction Matters

• Safety First: Water safety is a critical skill for children, especially preschoolers. Water safety instruction teaches children how to stay safe in and around water, reducing the risk of drowning and water-related accidents. By learning to recognize and respond to potential hazards, children develop vital safety awareness.
• Physical Development: Swimming is an excellent full-body workout. It enhances cardiovascular health, builds muscle strength, and improves flexibility. For rapidly growing children, swimming aids in developing motor skills and coordination in a low-impact environment, protecting their developing bones and joints.
• Cognitive and Social Skills: Water safety instruction is more than just physical exercise. They help children follow instructions, practice patience, and conquer fears. Additionally, group water safety instruction provides a fantastic opportunity for social interaction, helping children learn to take turns, share, and build confidence through teamwork.

Benefits of water safety instruction at Stepping Stone School

• Our water safety instruction program is tailored to meet the unique needs of young children. We focus on creating a supportive and fun environment where children can thrive and gain confidence in the water. Our certified instructors are dedicated to providing a safe and enriching experience for every child.
• By enrolling your child in our water safety instruction program, you are giving them the gift of water confidence and safety that will last a lifetime. These lessons are not just about learning to swim; they are about building a foundation for a healthy, safe, and active lifestyle.

Tips for Water Safety

To further ensure your child’s safety this summer, here are some essential water safety tips:

1. Designate a Water Watcher: Always have an adult responsible for watching children in or near the water. This person should avoid distractions like reading, texting, or socializing.
2. Learn CPR: Being trained in CPR can save lives. Consider taking a class through local community organizations.
3. Teach Water Survival Skills: Ensure every family member knows basic water survival skills, such as floating on their back and swimming to an edge.
4. Use Life Jackets: For young or inexperienced swimmers, use U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
5. Enforce Water Safety Rules: Establish and enforce rules like no diving, always swimming with a buddy, and walking near the pool.
6. Check Pool Drains: Make sure pool drains are safe and intact to prevent accidents.
7. Secure Pool Areas: Ensure pools are surrounded by a proper fence with secure gates and consider using alarms for added safety.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting water safety instruction as early as age one. Early exposure helps children become comfortable in the water and begin learning essential survival skills. For children aged three and older, water safety instruction is crucial for developing the necessary skills and endurance to swim safely.

At Stepping Stone School, we are committed to the well-being and development of your children. Our water safety instruction program provides a safe, supportive, and fun environment where your child can learn and grow. Enroll today and make this summer a safe and enjoyable experience for your family.