Swimming is the third most popular sports activity in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and a good way to get regular aerobic activity and reduce the risk of chronic illness.
Black, Hispanic children are more at risk for drowning
Alarming data from a recent study conducted by the University of Memphis for USA Swimming says parent’s fear of having their children take swimming lessons is one of the reasons African American and Hispanic children have a higher incidence of drowning. Fear outweighed financial concerns across all race groups in low-income families.
The “Constraints Impacting Minority Swimming Participation, Phase II” study found that nearly 70 percent of African American children and 58 percent of Hispanic children have low or no swim ability, compared to 40 percent of Caucasians. Of the 40 percent of children who say they know how to swim; only 18 percent of the kids have ever taken a swim lesson from a certified instructor. When asked how they learned to swim, 26 percent of African American children and 28 percent of Hispanic children responded, “I taught myself.”
Researchers say this false sense of confidence can lead to tragedy as 60 percent of children surveyed with no to low swimming ability said they plan to spend time in and around the water this summer at least once per month.
Water safety tips
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers these tips to parents to ensure children’s safety in and around water:
· Learn to swim –Even toddlers and young children benefit from swimming lessons that can help protect them from drowning
· Learn CPR
· Use the buddy system – Never swim alone and swim where lifeguards are on duty, whenever possible
· Do not use air-filled or foam water toys as safety devices
· Supervise young children at all times – that means in bathtubs, swimming pools and natural bodies of water. Avoid distractions and always stay close enough to reach out and touch young children at all times.
· Don’t drink alcohol before or during swimming, boating or skiing or while supervising children.
· Clear the pool and surrounding area of deck toys
· Wear life jackets in and around natural bodies of water
· Before water sports, find out the local weather conditions and forecast. Avoid swimming or boating during high winds, thunder or lightning.
· Watch for dangerous waves or signs of rip currents, e.g., discolored, choppy or foamy water; or water filled with debris and moving away from shore
· If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to shore; once free, swim diagonally away from the current toward the shore.