I was born in Miami and my family was privileged enough have a personal pool. My dad loved spending time on the boat and swimming with us at home from our first days. We relocated to the Atlanta area and I began swimming on our neighborhood's Summer League Swim Team at about age 7, I briefly tried my hand at an Atlanta based USS team, and now am a member of a Metro Atlanta based USS Masters Swim Team. Additionally, I spent many years life guarding and teaching learn to swim lessons around Metro Atlanta. While enjoying this work, I became painfully aware of the importance of water safety and education.
I loved every single thing about my job with one exception: I spent my days fishing small children out of pools only to return them to parents who were sure to tell me that they were "watching," or that they "promise he/she can swim!" My favorite response came from one mother sitting out of sight of her son clear across the pool who asked me "where he was at?!"
In many cases, drowning looks just like playing. Your child could die within your reach simply because your back is turned; even for a second.
Instead of getting angry (which I often was in these situations), I began to educate families on the importance of water safety, and on the signs of distress and drowning. People are shocked to know that there is a difference between the two:
Distress is similar to fatigue. The swimmer will be nearly upright or upright in the water, and will be
making little to no forward movement. He/she may or may not be able to call for help.
Drowning means that the swimmer is no longer able to keep him/herself above the water. He/she will
make no forward movement in the water; instead the victim will be trying to reach for air. A drowning
victim will NOT be able to call for help. Drowning is SILENT.
There are two forms of drowning:
1) Active Drowning implies that a person in distress is still able to try to keep his/her mouth above water.
In a sense, this person may still be fighting and have hope of survival.
2) Passive Drowning implies that a person has become submerged and can no longer breathe air.
Do's in and around the water:
Always follow posted rules
Always walk around water sources
Always jump feet first
Always be aware of your surroundings
Always watch your children and remain within an arm's reach of them
Dont's in and around the water:
Never swim alone--wait for a life guard or "swim buddy"
Never think you are above drowning--anyone can drown, even the strongest swimmers
Never dive in water in which you can't see the bottom
Never take glass containers to the pool, lake, or beach--It's not safe for bare feet
Never swim while intoxicated
You and your children will likely spend time in/around the water for your entire lives. Now ask yourself, are hockey or ballet lessons more important than swimming lessons? Make swimming safety a priority for your and your family.
There are learn to swim programs for children and adults alike. Find one near you today!
Find a short list of links to Metro Atlanta references on swimming/water safety, and on swimming lessons/education below:
Affinity Pools - Alpharetta, GA -- An Alpharetta based, full service pool maintenance provider. Call or email for information regarding pools & maintenance, or pool safety. I am not aware if swimming lessons are available at this time.
Chattahoochee Gold Swimming - Multiple Metro Atlanta Area Locations
Dynamo Swim Club - Multiple Metro Atlanta Locations
Gold's Gym Swimming - Woodstock, GA -- Speak with Philipp, Aquatics Director for information
Red Cross - Water Safety -- A leader in water safety and education, and the perfect source for your needs!
Sears Pool Management Consultants - Sandy Springs, GA -- Sandy Springs based full service pool maintenance provider. Call or email for information regarding pools & maintenance, pool safety, and lesson locations.
Stingrays Swimming - Multiple Metro Atlanta Area Locations
Swim Atlanta - Multiple Metro Atlanta Locations
If you are not an Atlanta resident, please seek similar information for your area. Any pool maintenance company, YMCA, some Red Cross chapters, or other similar business will be able to help you locate a program that is right for you!
