Tips for Spring Break Water Safety

Big Blue Swim School offers parents and caregivers tips to stay water safe as they head off on vacation

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As families across the country prepare to embark on spring break adventures, Big Blue Swim School wants parents and caregivers to have all the knowledge they need to ensure a water-safe vacation. The unfortunate reality is that drowning is a leading cause of death for children under 14, and many factors lead to unsafe circumstances as families head to destinations where they are unfamiliar with the environment.

The CDC lists the following factors that can make drowning more likely, and these are all instances that are heightened in situations where the destination is new and away from home:

• Inability to swim.
• Missing or ineffective fences around water.
• Lack of close supervision.
• Not wearing life jackets.

Big Blue Swim School offers the following tips to make sure that spring breakers remain water safe while enjoying their vacation:

• Remember, lifeguards are not babysitters. Even with this important safety system in place at pools or beaches, adult supervision around water is essential.
• Speaking of safety systems, get to know the pool and beach area where you are staying. Understand what safety measures are in place such as locked gates, fences, and other barriers.
• Designate a Water Watcher, an adult in your group who keeps a close eye on swimmers. We recommend rotating the Water Watcher every 30 minutes to avoid supervision fatigue.
• Wear a life jacket and not just any life jacket. A properly fitting life jacket fits snug, is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard, and stays under a child’s chin when they lift their arms overhead.
• Implement the buddy system. Even if your child is a proficient swimmer or wearing a life jacket, drowning can still happen, so all children should be assigned a buddy to swim with who can raise the alarm if something seems off.
• Prepare by enrolling in formal swim lessons. The CDC notes that formal swim lessons reduce drowning by 88%, making year-round formal swim lessons the best way to help a child be ready around the water.

“A drowning incident isn't always obvious, someone struggling in the water may not yell for help, wave their arms, or thrash around,” explains Chris DeJong, Founder and President of Big Blue Swim School, and five-time U.S. National Champion swimmer. “We want parents and caregivers to remember that it’s critical to always provide constant, careful supervision when children are at the pool or beach.”

If you are looking to build your child’s confidence in the water and teach them a lifelong love of swimming, visit www.bigblueswimschool.com.

About Big Blue Swim School

Big Blue Swim School was founded in 2009 by competitive swimmer Chris DeJong and now has pools in the Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, and Northern Virginia areas. Big Blue offers an unparalleled swim lesson experience made easier and more effective by professional instructors, proprietary technology and curriculum, and family-friendly facilities. Big Blue creates and celebrates Big Moments in the pool which lead to kids learning they can achieve anything in life. To learn more visit www.BigBlueSwimSchool.com.