As the weather warms up, pools are preparing to open and beaches will start to see crowds. Now is the perfect time to ensure you and your family are prepared to spend a fun, safe day by the water.
The executive Director of SwimRVA, Adam Kennedy, says “Swimming is becoming extremely popular and more pools and waterparks are opening up all around us. It is imperative that parents know how well their children can swim and that they are taking the appropriate steps to keep their kids safe in the water”
Did you know that 50% of the population does not know how to swim? To make matters worse, that percentage rises for minorities. Unfortunately, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death of children ages 1-4, the second leading cause for ages 14 and younger, and 5th leading cause for all ages.
SwimRVA is here to help!
Please take the time to read over the following list to make sure you are prepared.
1. Make Water Safety A Priority
2. Have Appropriate Equipment for Your Pool or Hot Tub
3. Learn and Practice Swimming Skills
4. Learn CPR
o Never leave a child unattended in any body of water (pool, hot tub, beach)
o Use U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation devices such as life jackets
o Swim in designated areas supervised by lifeguards
o Never swim alone – always swim with a buddy
o Teach children water safety skills as early as possible
o Install a four-foot, or taller, fence around the pool or hot tub
o Install lockable gate entrances to the area
o Install lockable covers
o Remove any ladders or other access devices to above ground pool or hot tubs when not in use
o Ask your neighbors to do the same
o Learn how to swim and teach children how to swim
o Teach children basic water safety skills
o If you or your child has not been swimming for an extended period of time, slowly reintroduce yourselves to the water.
o CPR is a great tool that everyone should know how to perform in case of an emergency
o Classes can be found all over Richmond. Please check our website at www.swimrichmond.org for upcoming classes
At SwimRVA, we serve as a community catalyst to focus on water safety. Our goal is to ensure that everyone is equipped with the information and SWIMMING SKILLS needed to be smart and safe around the water.
SwimRVA is a Sponsor of Richmondmom
