**I am pleased to be partnering with Goldfish Swim School to bring you this post. While they are providing lessons free of cost to me, all thoughts and comments are my own.**
Today I am talking water safety with Chris McCuiston, founder and Co-CEO of Goldfish Swim School. Chris was kind enough to answer some questions that I hope will spread awareness of the importance of water safety.
1. What is your #1 water safety rule when your kids are around water?
One of the most important factors in water safety is maintaining constant supervision of your children no matter what skill level they swim at or how shallow the water is. There should always be a designated adult watching the children. Rotate adults watching the children to make sure parents remain alert. The American Red Cross says that the number one way to keep kids safer around water is to enroll them in swim lessons.
One of the most important factors in water safety is maintaining constant supervision of your children no matter what skill level they swim at or how shallow the water is. There should always be a designated adult watching the children. Rotate adults watching the children to make sure parents remain alert. The American Red Cross says that the number one way to keep kids safer around water is to enroll them in swim lessons.
2. Is there anything parents do thinking it will keep their kids safe, when in reality it is dangerous?
Sometimes parents think floaties, noodles and plastic inner tubes are life-saving devices but, in reality, they do NOT protect against drowning. They are created as water TOYS. It’s also important to remember that lifejackets and other floatation devices do not replace the involvement of a parent. That being said, lifejackets can be essential water-safety tools when used in addition to adult supervision, but be sure to check that they are U.S. Coast Guard approved.
Sometimes parents think floaties, noodles and plastic inner tubes are life-saving devices but, in reality, they do NOT protect against drowning. They are created as water TOYS. It’s also important to remember that lifejackets and other floatation devices do not replace the involvement of a parent. That being said, lifejackets can be essential water-safety tools when used in addition to adult supervision, but be sure to check that they are U.S. Coast Guard approved.
3. While everything taught as Goldfish is important, what do you think is the skill that is most helpful/ important?
That’s a hard one because there isn’t ONE skill alone that is the “best.” That being said, there are several key safety skills that we teach to all of our students. We also help to teach the community about our W.A.T.E.R. safety rules for children through our free Bubbles’ Water Safety Program:
That’s a hard one because there isn’t ONE skill alone that is the “best.” That being said, there are several key safety skills that we teach to all of our students. We also help to teach the community about our W.A.T.E.R. safety rules for children through our free Bubbles’ Water Safety Program:
- Wear your life jacket!
- Act. Throw! Don’t go.
- Take swimming lessons.
- Educate, learn swim safety skills.
- Respect, play it cool and follow the rules.
4. Living in Michigan, many of us are around lakes all summer. Are there any different safety measures that should be taken when in or by a lake?
At the beach, it’s important for parents to notice any boundaries and be sure to wade through the water to find any drop-offs and what the bottom of the water is like. Always be aware of your surroundings and teach your kids to do the same. Lake/ponds and rivers will often times have rocks and growth on the bottom. Make sure you keep your feet and hands away from the rocks and growth so that you don’t get stuck.
At the beach, it’s important for parents to notice any boundaries and be sure to wade through the water to find any drop-offs and what the bottom of the water is like. Always be aware of your surroundings and teach your kids to do the same. Lake/ponds and rivers will often times have rocks and growth on the bottom. Make sure you keep your feet and hands away from the rocks and growth so that you don’t get stuck.
5. Besides enrolling your child in swimming lessons, how can a parent help their child be comfortable in the water?
Start young – bath time is a great time to acclimate your kids to the water. To condition your baby or toddler for going underwater, try pouring a cup of water over their head in the bath. Start with the verbal cue “NAME. Ready. Go!” Pause 1 second, pour, and celebrate!
Start young – bath time is a great time to acclimate your kids to the water. To condition your baby or toddler for going underwater, try pouring a cup of water over their head in the bath. Start with the verbal cue “NAME. Ready. Go!” Pause 1 second, pour, and celebrate!
6. What is your favorite thing about Goldfish Swim School?
I love that our members become part of our Goldfish family. Seeing how many kids we’re able to teach each week to be safer in and around the water (more than 70,000) and how many families’ lives we touch is amazing. Watching our students’ progress is so fulfilling and knowing we’re helping to save lives is an incredible feeling – my wife, Jenny, and I never imagined how following her passion to create a better way to teach children to swim would change our lives and the lives of so many others and evolve into what it is today.
I love that our members become part of our Goldfish family. Seeing how many kids we’re able to teach each week to be safer in and around the water (more than 70,000) and how many families’ lives we touch is amazing. Watching our students’ progress is so fulfilling and knowing we’re helping to save lives is an incredible feeling – my wife, Jenny, and I never imagined how following her passion to create a better way to teach children to swim would change our lives and the lives of so many others and evolve into what it is today.
Thank you to Chris for taking the time to answer my questions. If you are looking to enroll your children in swim lessons check to see if there is a Goldfish Swim School around you.