Today I have a guest post from The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson that takes place today!
More than 10,000 children on four continents will bob, float and flutter kick their way into the record 
books by participating in The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ at 2 pm GMT on Thursday, June 3rd. As part of a global life-safety event, more than 200 aquatic facilities world-wide will provide a coordinated swim lesson and introduce a valuable life-skill that hopefully begins a lifetime of water safety awareness.
Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children ages 1-14. However, tragic pool deaths and injuries can and should be prevented. Research shows that a child who hasn’t learned to swim by the third grade likely never will, so teaching children proper swimming techniques at an early age is the first step in helping avoid tragedies down the road.
This summer, Underwriters Laboratories, a leading product safety testing organization, is providing useful pool safety tips to help your family stay safe, whether you’re swimming in the backyard, at the community pool or even participating in The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™.
HOME POOL SAFETY
- If you have a pool at home, install a fence. The fence should be at least four feet high and have a self-closing, self-latching gate that has a locking mechanism beyond a child’s reach.
- Cut overhanging tree limbs and remove chairs or ladders from the pool area to prevent children from climbing over the fence surrounding the pool.
- Keep grates and drain covers in good repair and secured in place. Alert your family and guests to stay away from these devices, as the suction from drain outlets is strong enough to cause entrapment of hair or body parts, which can cause drowning.
- Make sure you know infant and child CPR if you own a pool.
SWIMMING SAFETY SMARTS
· Supervision is a must. Follow the 10/20 rule when you’re at the pool. The 10/20 rule states the supervising adult needs to position themselves to be able to scan the pool within 10 seconds and reach the water within 20 seconds.
- Always have rescue devices such as UL-LISTED life preservers nearby.
- Flotation devices, toys and inflatable swimming aids are not safety devices. They are toys and can easily puncture and deflate.
- Always drain wading pools after children are done playing. Infants can drown in just a few inches of water.
- Have a telephone nearby and appropriate emergency numbers posted.
- Remove all toys when you leave the pool. Toys may attract children to the unattended pool.
For more ways to keep your family safe, not sorry this summer, visit http://www.safetyathome.com.
Interested in participating in The World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™? Click here to find a participating pool near you.
