The statistics are sobering. An average of 11 adults and children die of unintentional drowning each day in the United States, adding up to about 4,000 drowning deaths annually. And while drowning is the leading cause of death for U.S. children ages 1-4, about 70% of people who drown each year are adults.

In addition, an average of 8,000 adults and children experience nonfatal drownings annually. In a nonfatal drowning, a person’s nose and mouth are under water for too long, making it impossible to breathe, but they are rescued. A person can emerge from a nonfatal drowning without harm or suffer serious issues such as brain damage or permanent disability.

Young children are more likely to drown in swimming pools, while adult drownings tend to occur in natural bodies of water such as lakes, rivers or the ocean.

Learning to Swim

This coming Saturday, May 16, has been designated National Learn to Swim Day for a good reason: One of the best ways to prevent drowning – for children and adults – is to take swim lessons.

Swim lessons cover:

• How to be confident around water
• How to float
• Basic swim skills
• Swimming strokes
• Water safety
• Water survival skills
• Drowning prevention and the importance of supervision

Swim lessons for kids not only encourage the development of water skills, but they also help build self-esteem and foster social connections. Adults who take swim lessons gain those benefits, too, plus they are more prepared to help others and supervise children around water.

Even if you think of yourself as a good swimmer, there’s always value in brushing up on the basics and learning new swim skills. Many adult drownings occur when a person thinks their swimming ability is better than it really is.

Getting Started

There are many reasons some adults have never learned to swim, from being afraid of water to having a busy schedule to not knowing where to find lessons.

But it’s important to develop this crucial life skill. Here are ways to get started.

• Commit to swim lessons so that you’ll follow through. To find swim lessons in your area – for adults and kids – visit the Red Cross and YMCA websites.
• Check out private lessons if you aren’t comfortable in a group setting. Frequently offered through local swimming or athletic clubs, private lessons may also provide more schedule flexibility.
• Ask about specific programs for adults who are afraid of water. Skilled instructors can help you gradually become accustomed to being in and around water before teaching you how to swim.
• Approach swim lessons with a positive attitude no matter your age. Lessons are a fun opportunity to expand into a new hobby that’s good for your health.
• Avoid comparing yourself to others. Everyone starts at a different skill level, and that’s OK.

With summer just around the corner, now’s the time to act – for you and for your kids. Whether you plan to visit the local pool or travel to the beach during the hot days ahead, swim lessons will help prepare you to keep yourself and others safe.

Sources:
American Red Cross
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Scientific American
United States Swim School Association
WeAquatics