Swim lessons & water safety in Orlando

In Central Florida, swim lessons and water safety are always in season.

Living in the Sunshine State, we are constantly surrounded by water — from residential pools to backyard lakes. Even though Orlando is an hour away from a coastal beach, constant reminders are key for both residents and visitors.

Swim lessons and water safety in Orlando are paramount year-round.

Did you know drowning continues to be the leading cause of accidental death in children under the age of 4?

For children under the age of 5 who have died from drowning, 69% of those deaths occurred when children had unanticipated access to water and weren’t expected to be swimming.
And even more eye-opening — 70% of drowning deaths occur at home.

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WATER SAFETY TIPS

We asked the experts for their tips for keeping kids safe around water. Goldfish Swim School was created by parents, for parents, with this goal in mind — to give kids the platform to build essential life skills that will help them make waves in life.

Goldfish Swim School suggests families keep these important layers of protection for drowning prevention in mind all year long:

Since drowning can happen in as little as 2 inches of water, make sure all plastic or inflatable kiddie pools, water stations/tables, or water play toys are drained fully when not in use. Be aware and vigilant of drowning hazards in your home, like the bathtub, buckets or toilets.
All toys/rafts should be removed from the pool area when not supervised, as a curious child can be tempted to reach for the toy in the pool and accidentally fall in.
All backyard pools should have a four-sided fence that separates the pool from the house with safety latches out of reach of children. Pool alarms should also be installed to prevent unsupervised access and can alert you to accidental falls.
Follow all safety rules when in and around a body of water (no running, no diving, no breath-holding games).

Frequent breaks from the water should be taken to prevent fatigue and dehydration. It’s a good idea to take a 15-min break every hour.
Supervision is key! Never leave a child unattended around water. Younger, inexperienced swimmers should always have an adult nearby practicing “touch supervision”, with the swimmer staying within arm’s reach at all times. Familiarize yourself with what the signs of drowning are so you can be on the lookout.
Always designate a water guardian whose only responsibility is watching the kids in the water, free from distractions (no cell phones, reading, or engaging in conversation). If there are multiple adults present, alternating turns can help keep water guardians alert, refreshed and responsive.
Get CPR Certified – it’s a skill you hope you never need to use but would regret not knowing.
Life jackets should be worn on a boat or in open water and should fit properly.
Enroll your swimmers in swim lessons. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children begin formal swim lessons as early as age 1. Swim lessons have been shown to reduce the risk of drowning by 88%! Children should know basic water safety skills like how to float on their back and/or tread water, how to turn around and find an exit, and how to get out of the pool safely and independently.

Goldfish Swim School is offering a special Holiday Package so you can give the gift of water safety this holiday season. Click here to learn more!

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