How do you reduce the risk of drowning?
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Now more than ever, children are turning to the internet to learn new skills. And while there’s a lot that children can do online, there’s one thing they CAN’T do: learn to swim! Swimming ― and especially the techniques critical for surviving a water accident ― is far too important of a life skill to learn without proper instruction from a certified professional.
The sad reality is that drowning is the #1 cause of accidental death for children under age 5, but the good news is that most drownings are preventable! Studies have shown that participation in formal swim programs can reduce the risk of drowning by 88%!
What factors should you consider when choosing a swim school for your child?
1. Safety and Survival Focus
Water safety and survival skills can save a child’s life if they ever find themselves in the water unexpectedly. To this effect, children should learn to swim without goggles and experience what it feels like to jump, roll and float while wearing regular clothing.
2. Highly Trained Instructors
Instructors should be adequately trained and certified through nationally recognized reputable organizations. A good swimmer doesn’t always equate to a great swim instructor!
3. Clear Objectives and Achievable Goals
Clear objectives are the foundation of a productive learn-to-swim program. It’s important for children to follow a thoughtfully planned curriculum, with goals and benchmarks to ensure they’re progressing over time.
4. Small Class Sizes
When assessing swim schools, it’s important to find the proper balance in class size. Small groups of 3-5 children provide valuable social interaction while keeping students engaged at all times.
5. Fun Environment
Bottom line: swim lessons should be fun! While lessons should be taken seriously and follow a structured curriculum, students will progress faster when lessons incorporate songs, splashing, and fun!
This article was brought to you by British Swim School of Metro Charlotte.
Why British Swim School? British Swim School was founded on the belief that every child should learn water safety and survival skills. Our goal-based curriculum has been taught from coast to coast for over 40 years, always utilizing our fun and gentle methods in indoor, heated pools.
South Tryon
4800 South Tryon St.
Charlotte NC, 28217
Phone: 704.440.3560
Piper Glen
5110 Piper Station Dr
Charlotte NC, 28277
Phone: 704.440.3560
Ballantyne
12325 Copper Way
Charlotte, NC 28277
Phone: 704.440.3560
Whether you want to introduce your infant to the water, advance your child’s swimming skills, or are an adult who wants to learn how to swim, British Swim School offers a variety of swimming classes for all ages and skill levels. At the core of our program – and the reason we do what we do – is our mission of ensuring that every person, regardless of age or ability, has the opportunity to become a safe and happy swimmer.
At British Swim School, we do this through our fun and gentle teaching methods, the conversations we have with our students and parents about water safety, and the partnerships we’ve created that keep us at the top of the game. One of the most unique pieces of our curriculum is Survival Week, where we encourage students to come to lessons in their clothes. Students learn better in SMALL GROUPS, that’s why British Swim School’s water survival classes are 4:1 max. – www.britishswimschool.com