Death by drowning is often silent, occurring quickly and without warning. Each year, water accidents claim the lives of hundreds of children. In an instant, a fun-filled summer outing can become the scene of a fatal swimming accident. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children.
The statistics are particularly alarming for Black children ages 10-14, who are 7.6 times more likely to drown than their white peers. This is a preventive health crisis. To combat this disparity, the community must take immediate and comprehensive action.
Essential measures include offering water safety classes, organized swimming lessons, and encouraging diversity in aquatic employment. Providing access to Red Cross lifeguard training and certification to Black children can help bridge the gap and ensure that pools are staffed with individuals who can serve as both lifeguards and role models.
Teaching Black children how to swim is not just a preventative measure; it is a life-saving imperative. This effort requires the involvement of various community stakeholders. Health providers, particularly school nurses, can play a crucial role in educating families about the importance of swimming skills.
Faith leaders can advocate for swimming lessons as part of their community programs, including vacation Bible school curriculums. Parents, too, can push for water safety and swimming instruction to be incorporated into school curricula.
Dr. Claire McCarthy, a primary care pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital and an assistant professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, emphasizes the practical skills that can save lives. She notes, “A child doesn’t need to be able to swim butterfly or do flip turns, but the ability to get back to the surface, float, tread water, and swim to where they can stand or grab onto something can save a life.”
The CDC offers the following advice to guide parents in selecting safe facilities and properly trained instructors for swimming lessons:
- Supervision: Ensure that a qualified lifeguard or swimming instructor is present at all times during the swimming lessons. They should be vigilant and attentive to the swimmers in the pool.
- Qualified instructors: Make sure the swimming lessons are conducted by certified and experienced swimming instructors who are trained in water safety and rescue techniques.
- Age-appropriate lessons: Ensure that the swimming lessons are tailored to the age and skill level of the participants. Young children and beginners should start with basic skills and gradually progress to more advanced techniques.
- Proper warm-up and stretching: Begin each lesson with a warm-up session and stretching exercises to prevent injuries and prepare the body for swimming.
- Swim in designated areas: Make sure the swimming lessons take place in designated swimming areas, such as swimming pools or supervised beaches, that are safe and free from hazards.
- Teach water awareness: In addition to swimming techniques, emphasize water awareness and safety rules, such as not diving in shallow water, not swimming alone, and knowing how to recognize and respond to signs of distress in the water.
- Learn basic rescue techniques: Teach advanced swimmers basic water rescue techniques, including how to assist someone in distress without endangering themselves. This knowledge can be invaluable in case of emergencies.
- Proper use of flotation devices: If needed, use appropriate flotation devices, such as life jackets or floaties, especially for beginners or those who are not confident swimmers. However, remember that these devices do not replace proper supervision and swimming skills.
- Sun protection: Remind students to apply waterproof sunscreen before the lessons and reapply it regularly, especially if the swimming lessons take place outdoors. Additionally, encourage the use of hats and UV-protective swimwear.
- Hydration and breaks: Encourage swimmers to stay hydrated by providing water breaks during swimming lessons, particularly in hot weather conditions.
- Pool rules and etiquette: Teach swimmers about pool rules, such as no running on the pool deck, no diving in shallow areas, and respecting other swimmers’ space. This helps to create a safe and enjoyable swimming environment.
Dr. McCarthy reminds parents, “Just because a child can swim doesn’t mean he can’t drown. Children can get tired, hurt, trapped, snagged, or disoriented. Even strong swimmers can get into trouble. While swimming lessons help save lives, children should always, always be supervised around water, and should wear life jackets for boating and other water sports.”
