Children are getting ready for spring break. The weather is getting warmer. Time to think about going boating. A trip to the beach sounds like fun. A dip in a swimming pool is refreshing.
Thinking about going sailing? Canoeing? Have a life preserver for every person aboard. Look for Coast Guard approval on a life preserver. Look for weight guidelines commensurate with each passenger. Examples of life preservers are vests and life jackets. Water wings are for fun and will not save a child’s life.
Pack a cooler and a beach towel when going to the beach. Wear a wide-rimmed hat and wear sunglasses.
Look for signs and flags that keep you safe on the sand and water. Is the area unsafe for swimming because of either high currents or moderate surf? Is there a purple flag indicating danger of man o’ war, jellyfish, or stingrays?
It is a good idea to swim near a lifeguard. They seem to do nothing but watch, but actually they do a lot. They blow whistles to make sure that people follow rules. Lifeguards are often responsible for checking chemical balance in pools. They assess people’s swimming competence and teach people to swim. They oversee other people’s ability to teach people how to swim.
Firemen and police deserve to be praised for their role as first responders. However, I believe lifeguards deserve much merit in their role, too.
I remember being in Davie at a Class C pool, a small pool in between multifamily residences where a lifeguard was not required. There was a birthday party on a corner of the pool’s deck. Many people were enjoying the pool.
I heard a man yell, “Whose child is this?” as he picked up a boy out of the water. The mother was hysterical. 911 was called. A man whose son was 11 months old remembered CPR from childbirth class and rushed to do CPR on the boy. The police first responded to the call and did not allow anyone to leave the pool. Fire rescue came and loaded the boy on the truck to go to the hospital.
Is the boy OK? Did he survive? Will he live a normal life without disability?
Suppose he had learned to swim? Even learning to float will save him from some bad circumstances.
When a child is crawling it is wise to teach self-rescue. Learning swim strokes increases comfort in the water. Learning to swim is something a lot of people can do all their life and it might just save your life.
Look at the aquatic environments surrounding you. The water makes up the beauty of our area, is central to the lifestyle we enjoy, and is a quick route to devastating tragedy.
Learning to swim contributes to being safe in the water. Water exercise can help heal injuries from other sports. Continuing to exercise in water can increase mobility, flexibility and wellbeing over one’s entire lifespan.
So are you ready for spring? Do you know how to swim? It is never too late to learn. Put learning to swim on your to do list. Purchase a swimsuit. Get caps and goggles. Bring a towel and find a swim bag for your clothing and accessories.
Learn to swim.
You’ll be glad you did.
Melissa Mishoe lives in Winter Park.
