Summer is approaching quickly and it’s a great time to refresh your water safety skills. May is National Water Safety Month. By celebrating water safety, we encourage skills and behaviors that can save lives.
This month’s initiatives aim to prevent accidental drowning by promoting ongoing public education. We can never really be safe—but we can attempt to be SAFER.
On April 21, 2023, New Jersey Governor Philip Murphy proclaimed May 2023 as Water Safety Month in New Jersey. This important proclamation stated that:
- New Jersey residents know the vital role that swimming and other aquatic activities play in improving both physical and mental health, as well as improving quality of life.
- Residents and aquatic-based industries and facilities all recognize the important role water safety education plays for all users of public pools, beaches, and water parks.
The goal of Water Safety Month is to develop safer people, safer water, and safer responses with swim education. In fact, this is a cause Njswim works year-round to promote.
We consistently incorporate teaching critical water safety skills into swim lessons at our seven New Jersey swim schools; we also provide this knowledge via our many community outreach programs.
Knowing proper water safety and how to swim is an important skill for a safe, confident, and healthy swimmer.
Drowning Statistics in the United States
The CDC currently reports these unsettling statistics for the United States:
- More young children, aged 1-4, die from drowning than from any other cause—and most fatal drownings occur in swimming pools.
- Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children aged 5-14, second only after car accidents.
- Each year, 4000 people die from unintentional drownings—that is 11 unintentional deaths each day.
- Each year 8,000 people experience nonfatal drownings—this can cause brain damage or other long-term disability.
Is it Necessary to Learn to Swim?
While knowing how to swim doesn’t guarantee water safety, it can make a tremendous difference for staying safe in the water. However, knowing how to swim has its own benefits.
Health Benefits of Swimming
Swimming is a great way to stay active. It uses multiple muscle groups at the same time, building strength and flexibility. Swimming is a heart-healthy exercise for people of any age.
Swimming is Fun
Swimming is one of the best summer and year-round fun activities. It also opens the doors for competition, water sports, kayaking, tubing, and a whole other long list of water-based activities.
Make Water Safety a Priority
Being prepared around water is imperative. The American Red Cross offers a number of tips to help families stay safe:
- Learn how to swim. Age-appropriate swimming classes help both children and adults learn to swim safely and confidently.
- Only swim in designated areas. Choose a location near a lifeguard, if possible. If not, swim with a buddy, but never swim alone.
- Have family rules in place about playing in water. Highlight the differences between fun and dangerous horseplay.
- Never leave a child unattended near water. Install barriers around pools and hot tubs as an extra layer of protection.
- Maintain constant supervision and avoid distractions.
- Be cautious around open bodies of water. Temperatures, strong currents, and underwater hazards can make these especially dangerous.
- Have weak swimmers wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket. This is especially important when boating.
Learn How to Respond in a Water Emergency
Accidents can happen in an instant, so it is important to have a plan of action ready in case of an emergency.
- Determine how to identify a swimmer in distress.
- If a child is missing, check the water first.
- Review objects on hand that can be used to help a victim out of the water (i.e., a life ring or pole).
- Know how to contact emergency services immediately.
- Become certified in CPR and basic first aid.
Swim Instruction and Education
Water safety education is an absolute priority. Drowning is preventable if the right resources are provided to reduce the risks.
At Njswim, we have dedicated the last 22 years to educating the community about water safety.
We try to take every opportunity to teach children important water skills. We have provided schools, girl scout troops, camps, and even HOAs with water safety training. Our presentations are fun and informative, teaching skills like:
- Basic aquatic safety skills
- Self-rescue techniques
- Recognizing distressed swimmers
- Reaching or throwing assists
- Basic first aid
- Emergency action plan implementation
- Much, much more
You Can Help Prevent Drowning by Supporting NJ Assembly Bill A618
New NJ Assembly Bill A618 will require school districts to give water safety instruction in grades K-12.
You can help right now by contacting your NJ State Assembly member to support this bill. It’s easy and fast – just click here.
Or, you can link here to change.org to help Assemblyman Sean Kean petition the New Jersey Legislature to bring this bill forward. This online petition will let legislators know you agree that water safety education is a necessary priority for all students.
Njswim is a Founding Member of NJSSA
The New Jersey Swim Safety Alliance (NJSSA) is an organization that advocates for safe conduct around water and promotes the enjoyment of swimming. NJSSA supports swimming as an important life skill.
Their goal is to ensure that all NJ residents have the information and tools needed to stay safer, and keep loved ones safer, in and around the water.
Njswim is extremely proud to be a Founding Member of this important alliance.
National Water Safety Month is a countrywide collaboration to increase awareness of water safety. Spread the word and help stop preventable deaths. Please contact us for more information on how Njswim can help your family get the water safety skills they need.
