Summer is here! And as we prepare for the season, many of us will enjoy going to the community swimming pool, hanging out at the beach, fishing or kayaking. And I'll be right there with you. I've always enjoyed being around water. I have such fond memories of my family going to Old Man's Cave in Hocking Hills here in Ohio, when I was a child and frolicking at the Lake Logan beach. And through the years, I've spent vacations with family and friends and many of those trips included being near the coast, at a beach, water park or at a hotel pool. However with every trip I was actually living dangerously, because I had never learned to swim! It was only by the Grace of God I did not have a perilous experience. It wasn't until about 10 years ago when I finally took formal lessons and earned my certification. Although my daughters learned to swim when they were babies, I did not learn until much later in life. I believe it is never too late to learn to swim.
Every year around this time, we hear alarming reports on the news about people drowning. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 4000 people die from drowning in the United States every year. When it comes to children between the ages of 5 years and 19 years, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury deaths. And drowning deaths are higher for Black children. It's so very sad yet, so preventable.
As you have fun in the water this season, please follow these suggestions from the American Red Cross:
*Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well;
*Learn the safety steps you should take before starting any activity in or near water;
*Know what to do in case of a water emergency;
*Watch out for the dangerous "Toos": Too tired, Too Cold, Too far from safety, Too much sun and Too much hard playing;
*Use Coast Guard approved life jackets when boating;
*Never swim alone
These are just a few recommendations. For a complete list of Swimming Safety Tips, go to RedCross.org
Have fun this summer and be safe!
