It’s all fun and games until your life is on the line, which is why Bostwick YMCA Aquatics Manager Melissa Cronin says that knowing home to swim is an important life skill.
“Kids need to get in the water as early as possible, I tell parents four months is the appropriate age for their child to swim for the first time,” says Cronin. This is because at such a young age, there is no fear in the child. Even just doing the basics; floats, submerges, head under water, will make a big difference for the child when they are ready to swim at a more advanced level.
Swimming is an activity that requires consistency and regular practice to see progress.
“Living in Ontario is another reason why knowing how to swim is so important,” adds Cronin. Drive 45 mins in any direction and you will come across a lake, pond, river, or quarry that encourages people to swim in it.
“When people act like they can swim, when they have no idea what they are doing, adds so much stress while guarding,” says Bostwick lifeguard Grace Murray.
Drowning is the No. 1 cause of death in infants, and young children which is why it is crucial to know what you are getting your self into when you are around bodies of water.
Having no shame in your abilities, is something else that will lead to a smoother day in the pool for not only the swimmer but, the lifeguards.
“There are so many life saving devices that we offer, you don’t have to wear a big bulky lifejacket we have other options for weaker swimmers,” says Murray. More people are starting to be okay with the fact that they in fact don’t have control in the water, and are accepting the fact that wearing a life jacket or something similar is the best option for them.
Whether you are confident or not in your swimming abilities it is best to never swim alone, and to always be aware of the depth of water you are entering.
Cronin says to “always just have your head up, and on a swivel and always be with someone. That’s the most important thing, never, ever swim alone.”