Summer is finally here, which means it’s time for some sun, sand, and swimming! Whether you are on a family trip at the lake or lounging with the kids at the pool, most parents need to coax their children out of the water by the end of the day. Swimming is a great way for kids to have fun while getting some exercise, but it’s important to remember that most children need swimming lessons first and learning about water safety is a must. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years. The CDC states that formal swimming lessons can protect young children from drowning.

Lessons
        There are many options for swimming lessons for both kids and adults, including city parks and recreation departments, the Treasure Valley Family YMCA, and numerous other private facilities (see sidebar). Parents can sign up babies for an introduction to swimming as young as 12 months. This is a great way for parents to introduce their babies to the pool and get them comfortable with the water.

Water Safety
        Water safety is critical for young children as well. It includes teaching them not to run by the pool, not to dive into shallow water, and not to push friends into the pool. In addition, children should never swim alone (even if they are great swimmers), life jackets should always be worn on boats, and parents should learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) just in case. For information on learning CPR, contact the local branches of the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross, local hospitals, or visit http://www.boisecprclasses.com.

World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
        Roaring Springs Waterpark is partnering with the Guinness Book of World Records for the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson on Tuesday, June 14 from 9–9:45am. Around 200 Treasure Valley kids and adults will have the chance to be world record holders with this event! Roaring Springs is just one of the aquatic facilities that will be participating; it is a world-wide event. The goal is to raise awareness that swimming lessons can save lives. Last year was the first year for the event and a record 4,000 participants represented five countries on three continents. They hope to beat the record this June. According to Tiffany Quilici with Roaring Springs Waterpark, the event will “communicate to everyone that learning to swim is a vital, life-saving skill.”

Swim Teams
        There are many local swim teams children can join as well. The Treasure Valley Family YMCA offers competitive aquatic programs including swimming, water polo, and diving. The City of Boise, Boise Racquet & Swim Club, and Meridian Swim Association also offer both competitive and recreational swim teams. Some teams compete only in the summer.

Janelle DiOrio is a freelance writer who (at 30 years old) could use some swim lessons herself!