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Why It is Crucial to Learn How to Swim the broadcast test

Swimming lessons are important for everyone; it will help prevent drowning!

Swimming is a brilliant exercise and is one of the most popular sports worldwide. It is a perfect activity for fitness, therapy, safety and leisure which in turn empowers your body and increases stamina. Overall, swimming is an excellent workout which makes you whole and healthy.

Necessity of Swimming

Every day in US, ten people die from accidental drowning and the main reason is that they simply do not know how to swim! If you are not comfortable in the water, it is never too late to learn. There are many swimming lesson classes in New York and throughout the country and most offer classes for people of all ages and abilities. Here are some of the reasons why you need to learn to swim:

Survival in Water

The most common reason for learning to swim is to gain the skill to survive in water. This includes accidentally falling in. It is critical that you learn not to panic and instead learn to survive. For the little ones, they need to learn to swim back to the wall and even techniques to get themselves out of the water.

Saving Others

As per the report of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every year over 3,400 people drown in the US. This is a scary figure. If you have children that love the water, and you cannot swim yourself, then how will you protect them when they are swimming?

Good Health

Most physicians agree that swimming is an excellent cardiovascular exercise which strengthens your muscles and boosts stamina in a low impact manner. It can even help control some of the risk factors that cause Type 2 Diabetes and heart disease. On a hot day, jumping in the water can cool your body off to prevent heat stroke.

Enjoyment and Fun

If you want to enjoy time your friends and family on hot summer day, then no option is better than swimming! You will feel relaxed and energized after spending some time in the water. It is a great way to socialize as well as to exercise and play.

Water Is The Magical Drop of Life

Swimming Lessons can make a difference in anyone's life!

Water is one of the important elements needed for the existence of life on our planet. With more than 75% of the Earth being covered by water, it not only is home to aquatic life but also provides a sufficient supply of fresh water for sustaining life on land. Apart from being a significant contributor to sustain life, water is a source of fun for animals and human beings alike. Swimming pools, water parks and even still water lakes are great for taking a dip on a hot day but also provides exercise and a way to replenish one’s body and mind.

Swimming has been a common activity among humans throughout civilization. Swimming dates back to ancient civilizations such as Egyptian and Mesopotamian, where evidence of people breast stroking in the water was documented in rock paintings. These paintings were dated to be over 10,000 years old and were found in a cave in southwest Egypt. It is called “Cave of Swimmers”, located near Wadi Sura.

Competitive swimming started in the 1830s and in 1896 was introduced as an Olympic sport in the Athens games.

Being a part of history, swimming has always held many health benefits; some mentioned below:

  • Great recreational activity which relaxes mind and body of any age. It helps in managing stress and can be a good way to cool down, especially in the heat of summer.
  • It is a career option for those who enjoy competing. Great swimmers from many countries participate in regional, country and world events, such as Olympics, and make a living out of it directly and through endorsements.
  • Water creates resistance for swimmers which makes it a great work out for the entire body. Swimming is considered the only exercise which works out every muscle in a human body.
  • Swimming builds endurance and is very good for the heart.
  • With correct water safety & special needs, swimming improves coordination, alleviates stress and corrects the body posture.

Water is a great way of eradicating stress and improving health, it is also a great way of eliminating heart diseases and sustaining a quality of life.

Swimming Lessons Consideration

Swimming lessons for children of all ages at Hudson Valley Swim

Swimming is one of the most popular and healthy activities in the world. It is an excellent activity for recreation, fitness and also for safety. Swimming is a low impact sport which means while performing this physical activity, the body’s joints don’t experience any impact due to the water so the strain on the joints is minimized. It actually serves as a full body workout since almost every major muscle group is are utilized when swimming.

Let’s have a closer look at the various aspects behind swimming:

Recreation

Swimming serves as an effectual recreational activity. It is undoubtedly one of the only activities which attracts and engages people of all ages. It also serves as an excellent way to remain active without straining your body due to its low impact nature. And of course, nothing beats a dip in the water on a hot day!

Sport

Avid swimmers look to the water as a great physical workout and sometimes take these workouts to a competitive level. The chief objective of a competitive swimmer is to increase their speed in the water by streamlining their strokes and perfecting their breathing and turns.

Safety

Needless to say, safety is one of the main reasons that children take lessons and in many cases adults as well. People who take swim lessons inherently do so to learn survival skills when in the water. By taking swim lessons, children and adults gain a healthy respect for the water. Besides learning safety jumps, flotation, various swim strokes and building their stamina, often students learn what is appropriate given the water depth and visibility as well as how to handle other conditions such as when there are riptides. Ultimately, by taking swim lessons, the student will build confidence in the water so that they can stay safe and avoid accidents or dangerous situations.

While stepping into swimming classes, the student may incur several challenges like relaxing in the water, overcoming a fear or phobia of water, putting their face in the water, learning how to breathe, coordinating their arms and legs, etc.

However, the student need not worry about all this as all of it takes time. Swimming is a skill that cannot be learned or mastered in just a couple of weeks as it is a learning process. This is why swim programs should have classes year-round. Expecting a student to master their skills in a few summer weeks is unrealistic. Additionally when taking lessons, the class size is very important especially for younger students.

Bottom Line

Do your research when selecting a swim program. There are many facilities that offer classes of many types but is swimming where their expertise is? Selecting a swim lesson program from a facility that specializes in swimming, utilizing very experienced instructors who have a breadth of experience working with infants, adults, competitive and special needs is likely going to have huge payback on the quality of lesson provided. Additionally taking swim lessons from a program where their classes are small will be your best bet in most cases, even if the price is a little higher for the lessons. Getting started early with swimming. It is fun but most importantly it is a safety necessity!

What is Dry & Secondary Drowning

Swimming lessons save lives! Help prevent drowning

Dry drowning is a rare form of drowning which occurs after a someone breathes in water, usually during a struggle such as a near-drowning. This water causes the muscles in the airway to spasm. This person, often a child, who just had a close call in the water can seem otherwise normal as they walk around. This is however very rare and only results in no more than 2% of drowning cases annually.

Dry Drowning

Dry drowning is a rare form of drowning which occurs after a someone breathes in water, usually during a struggle such as a near-drowning. This water causes the muscles in the airway to spasm. This person, often a child, who just had a close call in the water can seem otherwise normal as they walk around. This is however very rare and only results in no more than 2% of drowning cases annually.

Secondary Drowning

In Secondary Drowning, the person usually consumes water (as opposed to breathing it in). The water then builds up in the lungs which causes trouble breathing. It too amounts to no more than 2% of annual drownings.

Symptoms to Watch For

While Dry and Secondary Drownings are rare, it is still important to recognize the symptoms following a near-drowning incident. The three warning signs parents must look for are:

  1. Difficulty breathing
  2. Behavior changes
  3. Extreme tiredness

All these three signs of dry drowning are due to a reduced flow of oxygen to the brain. Doctors advise monitoring your children thoroughly after water exposure, looking for the above symptoms.

To clarify, difficulty breathing is outside of the norm related to asthma or allergies and extreme tiredness is beyond what is caused by spending lots of time in the water and the sun.

What to Do

Remaining vigilant at least for a day after a close call in water, even if your child appears normal with no symptoms at all is the best thing you can do. If you ever suspect your child has any of the signs of dry drowning, or the child begins to exhibit any unusual behavioral or respiratory symptoms, it is urgent that you seek medical attention immediately and that your child is monitored for the next 24 hours.

Helping Your Child Overcome the Fear of Water

Swimming lessons help children overcome their fear of water

Is bath-time a battle with your little one? Do they panic if you try to bring them to the pool? Have you wondered how to help your child overcome fear of water? A fear of the water is quite common with young children. Most kids will outgrow this fear on their own. However, it can be a difficult stage for parents to wait out. If your child has developed a fear of water, there are things you can do to help them overcome it. Here are a few tips to help your child if he or she is afraid.

Be Patient

The first tip to remember is to not push them too hard. Their fear is real to them so be respectful of their emotions. Also, if you are nervous or anxious about the situation, your kids may notice and think there’s reason to be scared.

Make it Fun

Swimming and splashing around is supposed to be fun. Find ways to introduce water-related activities into your schedule that are non-threatening to your child. They may enjoy playing with water toys at a toddler water table or running around in the sprinklers. Start with activities they take pleasure in so they establish a more positive relationship with the water. Even though they may not go near a pool just yet, they may learn it’s OK to be splashed or get their face wet.

Reassure and Encourage

It is important to praise your child when they make progress. Give your child some reassurance that they are safe and that you are nearby. Tell them that you are sure they will succeed with practice.

Involve your Child

Your child is more likely to buy in if they get to make some of the decisions. Bring them to the store and let them pick out their bathing suit. Let them decide if they would rather go to the beach or just stick their feet in the pool. Allow them to bring their favorite water toy to the pool. The more involved your child is in the decision making and preparation, the more likely they will be to participate once they get there.

Swimming Lessons

Learning to swim can make your child less fearful of the water. It may be best to start with an individual or small group setting so your child is not overwhelmed. It’s also important to notify the swim instructor of your child’s fear to make sure the experience is fun and safe. Look for qualified instructors who have experience working with kids with a fear of the water.Hopefully this post has provided some practical tips on how to help your child overcome fear of water. Most of all, you should consider enrolling your child in swimming lessons such as those provided by Hudson Valley Swim.

Adult Swim Lessons

Often it is best for adults learning to swim to do so in group or private classes.Often it is best for adults learning to swim to do so in group or private classes.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 37% of adults cannot swim the length of a recreational pool. Adults—including those who are able to swim—make up more than 70% of drowning deaths in the U.S. each year, according to the CDC.

Adults may have skipped the whole swim thing as they were growing up for many reasons. Maybe there was no access to a pool locally. Maybe it wasn’t an activity their parents felt was necessary. Maybe their parents felt that the best way to keep their child safe is to stay away from the water. Maybe they instilled their own fear of the water into their children. Maybe the adults had an incident in the water that terrified them. Teaching late learners tends to take longer and requires different techniques than those used with children.

Adults can be impatient, especially when they need to learn core swimming skills that they do not feel is “swimming”. Floating, breathing, forming aquatic lines and kicking are all composite skills that lead to the next step they are looking to minimally achieve. And when they are learning these core skills, adults can also feel embarrassed, especially as the 5 year-old in the next class is swimming past them. Often it is best for adults learning to swim to do so in group or private classes that are taught in the off hours where tiny eyes are not looking at them.

Why is it so important for adults to learn? Here are a few reasons:

  1. Avoid the risk of drowning when in a recreational pool or the ocean.
  2. Being able to responsibly watch children in the pool. If you can’t swim, how can you assist others that are in distress?
  3. You are getting older and so is your body. If you haven’t seen reductions in your muscle tone yet, you will. Swimming exercises every muscle in your body including your heart. It is low impact and a great way to stay in shape.

When looking for adult swimming lessons, make sure that the program offers instructors who have experience working with adults of all abilities. This includes adults who are afraid of the water. Talk to other adults who have taken lessons. Are they happy with their progress? How long did it take for them to swim independently with confidence? How much did it cost? How many other adults were in the class? Does the program have availability in the off-hours to fit your needs? Will you be swimming with teens or with other adults?

These are just some of the questions to consider when selecting a program to fit your needs.

How To Make Swimming A Fun & Safe Activity

Children of all ages should take swimming lessons.

Swimming is an exciting and fun activity for you and your little stars, but in a flash it can turn lethal if you don’t educate and supervise them whenever they are in or around the water.

As a parent there are many protection and precaution plans you can take to make water game a fun and safe activity for you and your family. Though we can’t avoid the essence of protection and precaution, the most important thing that really makes a great sense for Water Safety is enough education and strong supervision.

Supervision

Careful Supervision Is Paramount.

  • You must not leave your kid in or around the water without any supervision. This includes wading pools as well as bathtubs.
  • Don’t let them swim without adult supervision.
  • Monitor the horseplay. No running on deck. No dunking each other or horsefights.
  • Supervisor needs to constantly monitor the child in or near the water.
  • Always designate a responsible person to supervise.
  • Supervisor needs to remain in constant visual contact as well as allows kids to intervene if an emergency arises.
  • Any kind of distractions, such as texting, reading, socializing, surfing or other task swill limit their capability to effectively supervise. Hence, constant vigilance should be maintained by the designated supervisor.

Education

Education Is The First Step.

  • Enroll your kids in a reliable swimming class by the age of 8.
  • Make sure the lessons are given by a certified instructor or an experienced trainer.
  • Swimming classes must include water survival techniques such as treading water and survival floating.
  • Educate them about water safety needs and potential water hazards.

Bottom Line

With the help of credible swimming lessons and a few “rules of the water”, you can prevent drowning and other accidents and make swimming a fun and safe activity! Happy swimming!

Family Water Safety Tips

Swimming is fun when children feel confident in the water!

Swimming is the most loved but demanding summer activity by all age groups. Just like many other activities, swimming also has a downside. It is called drowning! Every year in the US, 4,000 people die because of they do not know water safety or how to swim at all. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drowning is the 3rd leading cause of unintentional death worldwide, and it is 5th overall in the US. This is scary!

The best thing you can do to prevent drowning is to learn about water safety. We have compiled a list that you and your family should seriously follow:

Water safety tips

  • Swim in selected areas overseen by lifeguards.
  • Never swim alone; even if you are swimming at a public pool or a lifeguard protected beach, always swim with a buddy.
  • Make sure that everyone in your family learns to swim well.
  • Never leave your child alone near water.
  • If you or your child is an inexperienced swimmer, always wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life-jackets or floatation devices that are not easily removed.
  • Always stay within arm’s reach of your child and avoid distractions when you are supervising them in and around water.
  • Make rules for your family and implement them without fail. For instance, set limits based on each individual’s capability and do not let kids play around suction and drains fittings.
  • Avoid alcohol just before swimming. Alcohol impairs balance and coordination; affects swimming skills; and decreases the body’s ability to remain warm.
  • In case of emergency, call 9-1-1 or any local emergency number.

To understand these water safety tips more practically, you should consider taking swimming classes. If you are looking for swimming classes for you or your children in NY, you can make use of internet. Try to find the most suitable swimming schools using advice we have published here. The water is a fun and healthy environment for you and your children, as long as you respect the dangers as well.

How To Choose A Swim Lesson Program

Swim lessons are important for everyone no matter what age or level they are at.

When you are looking for swimming lessons, there are many factors to consider to help you choose the right program. Here, we have assembled some of the important factors to help you determine what is best for your children and for yourself.

  1. Instructor Experience - While certifications such as a current WSI certificate is nice, NOTHING replaces an instructor’s experience relevant to the needs of your child, or your own needs if you are an adult learning to swim. Does the instructor have experience working with Special Needs children? Do they teach safety skills? Do they at least have CPR and First Aid certifications? Are they skilled in teaching children or adults with a fear of the water? Are they good with infants and children? Are they able to teach at a competitive level? Will they work one-on-one in a private setting with you or your child? Depending upon your needs, these are questions that you should ask.
  2. Class Size - One of the most important factors when searching for a swim program is the instructor-to-student ratio relative to the age of the student. If your child is in a class with a 10:1 ratio, even if the class is cheaper than one with a 4:1 ratio, spend the extra money! Your child will learn to swim much faster and it will be cheaper overall.
  3. Facility – Is the facility clean? Does it have a lifeguard in addition to the instructor? Does it have changing room and bathroom facilities? Is it heated? Is the pool deck uncluttered? Do they close and shock the pool when a child has an accident in it?
  4. Insurance – Does the facility carry liability insurance? If an outside entity runs the swim program at the facility, do they also carry liability insurance? Does the instructor who is teaching lessons at your home privately carry their own insurance?
  5. Age Appropriate Schedule – Does the swim program you are evaluating have programs that are appropriate for different age levels or will your 3-year-old be swimming with 9 year-olds? Is the program large enough to teach age-appropriate classes enough times during the day/week/weekend/evening in order to accommodate your schedule? Do they have flexibility to add more classes to help accommodate your needs?
  6. Background Check – Does the swim program run background checks on their new instructors? This is especially important if they are coming to your home for private lessons.

After reading the above, you now have some insight into things that you may not have considered when you decided to look for swimming lessons. Do your research and ask questions before you take the leap. Ask friends who have had their own children in lessons. Price is far from the deciding factor.

Get the Facts on Drowning from the CDC

Prevent drowning with swim lessons

Every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the United States.

  • 4,000 Every Year: An average of about 4,000 people die from drowning every year. That is more than 10 people every day.
  • 20% Are 14 and Under: One in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger.
  • 5X More Are Non-Fatal: For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency care for nonfatal submersion injuries

So let’s take a look at who is most at risk

  • Males: Nearly 80% of people who die from drowning are male.
  • Children: Children ages 1 to 4 have the highest drowning rates. About 30% of children ages 1 to 4 who die from a fatal accident, do so by drowning. In fact, in this age group, drowning is the 2nd leading cause of death, behind car accidents.
  • Minorities: The fatal drowning rate of African American children ages 5 to 14 is almost three times that of white children in the same age range. In swimming pools, African American children ages 5-19 drown at rates 5.5 times higher than those of whites. In fact, African American children ages 11-12 drown in swimming pools at rates 10 times those of white children!

According to the CDC, factors such as access to swimming pools, the desire or lack of desire to learn how to swim, and choosing water-related recreational activities may contribute to the racial differences in drowning rates. Note that available rates are based on population, not on participation. If rates could be determined by actual participation in water-related activities, the disparity in minorities’ drowning rates compared to whites would be much greater!!!!!!!

With these facts in mind, it seems ever more important to find a good program for you and your children to take swimming lessons such as those provided by Hudson Valley Swim.

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