Big Blue Swim School Shares Water Safety Tips for Fourth of July
June 24 2024 - 9:32AM
Business Wire
Swimming Experts Highlight Top Ways to Stay
Safe Around the Water this Holiday
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 4th 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.
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Elisa Suri Trevelino/Keller esuri@trevelinokeller.com