Swimming is one of the best cardiovascular exercises. Great for your body AND mind.
That said, it’s important to do safely, especially if you have kids or there are children around you.
PLEASE make sure to read this if you have any type of pool (even an inflatable) or are thinking about getting one.
There are rules and regulations in each State and it’s YOUR responsibility (not your child or anyone else) to stay safe.
POOL SAFETY REQUIREMENTS BY STATE:
Drowning happens in the blink of an eye.
Hold your child’s hand when near water.
Even if they CAN swim, never ever take your eyes off of them, not even for a second.
Swimming lessons should be mandatory in schools. To this day, I meet adults who can’t swim and say they’re “afraid” and “too old now.” That’s nonsenses. You’re never too old to learn anything.
Remember, it’s never too late to learn, even if it’s only as a survival skill.
Check with your local YMCA about lessons. It’s well worth it. I’m a certified aerobics instructor with CPR certification, and taking a water aerobics class is a great way to get comfortable in the water before taking swim lessons.
A Few Alarming Swimming Factoids:
70% of African American children cannot swim
60% of Latino children cannot swim
40% of Caucasian children cannot swim
Ten people drown each day in the U.S.
37% of people can not swim the length of a pool
Drowning is 2nd leading cause of childhood unintentional death for children under 14
Formal swim lessons could reduce the likelihood of childhood drowning by 88%.
Water safety education can save a life, including that of a loved one, a child or your own.
Here are a few more swim factoids. I’m still working on #2:
1. Drowning is silent. In every fatal or near fatal case of drowning, the victim goes under water without thrashing about and yelling for help.
2. NEVER swim alone. Even the strongest swimmers can drown.
3. WATCH your child/children. Do not take your eyes off of them. It doesn’t matter how well they can swim (see #2.) Watch them vigilantly if they are anywhere NEAR a body of water- you never know when they’ll end up IN the water.
There are even safety requirements by state when you buy one of those little inflatable pools for your backyard. If you don’t follow the rules, you will be fined.
Read more water safety rules HERE.
Besides keeping you safe, there are SO many health benefits to swimming.
Stay healthy!
Maria Dorfner
contact: maria.dorfner@yahoo.com
NewsMD: What's Hot in Health 
Reblogged this on NewsMD: What's Hot in Health and commented:
Sharing this again to raise awareness about pool safety and children.
Deepest condolences to the Miller family after losing their 19-month-old.
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A 911 call reveals people pleading for help as they try desperately to save Olympic skier Bode Miller’s 19-month-old daughter from drowning in a backyard swimming pool. Emeline Miller died at an Orange County hospital Sunday, a day after being pulled from the pool in suburban Coto de Caza. The call was released Tuesday by the Orange County Fire Authority. It begins with a woman screaming frantically, “Hurry,” as a dispatcher asks for the location of the emergency. He’s told Emeline fell into the pool, isn’t breathing and has no pulse. The dispatcher then spends several minutes instructing people gathered around her on what to do until emergency vehicles arrive.