Big Blue Swim School Shares Water Safety Tips for Fourth of July

Swimming Experts Highlight Top Ways to Stay Safe Around the Water this Holiday

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, families across the country are planning their patriotic festivities to celebrate Independence Day. Many will head to the pool, lake or beach to celebrate and with that, Big Blue Swim School urges parents and caregivers to plan for water safety to ensure everyone stays safe in and around the water.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recent Vital Signs study, drowning deaths are unfortunately on the rise in the United States. Over 4,500 people died due to drowning each year from 2020 – 2022, which is about 500 more drowning deaths each year compared to 2019. In addition, drowning remains the leading cause of death among children ages 1-4 and the drowning rate increased by 28% among children within that age group in 2022 compared to 2019.

“Drowning isn’t always obvious – someone may not wave their arms, thrash around, or call for help like they do in the movies. Constant, careful supervision is critical while children are near the water,” says Chris DeJong, Founder and President of Big Blue Swim School and five-time U.S. National Champion swimmer. “Supervision can slip at times during a pool party or fun day at the lake or beach, which is why we tell families to designate a Water Watcher. This is an adult in your group who keeps a close eye on swimmers and is rotated every 30 minutes to avoid fatigue, adding a strong layer of safety to any water activity.”

Big Blue Swim School offers the following tips to make sure families remain safe around the water:

• 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.

The swim school also shares 4^th of July pool safety tips, including:

• Stay hydrated. Set up a water station with hydrating beverages to serve as an easy reminder for everyone.
• Wear sunblock. Remind swimmers to lather up regularly, as sunscreen can wear off fast during pool games.
• Establish pool rules. No running, no diving, remove toys and floats when not in use, and close the pool when everyone is done swimming.

“By taking the proper steps, families can enjoy a fun and safe time around the water,” continues DeJong. “Swimming is a vital life skill and we hope to inspire everyone to practice water safety and enroll their children in swim lessons to provide them with confidence in the water and reduce the risk of drowning.”

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 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 leads to kids learning they can achieve anything in life. Founded in 2009 by national champion swimmer Chris DeJong, Big Blue has more than 35 pools and counting across the U.S. To learn more visit www.BigBlueSwimSchool.com.