Northjersey.com visited Njswim Lakeside in Landing, New Jersey to teach families how to stay safe in the water this summer.
Drowning is the number one cause of death for children under 4 in the US today. Learning about water safety is an important step to keep your child safe.
Enrolling in swim lessons gives you and your children the knowledge to prevent an accident.
Joe Oehme, Njswim Founder, has been a certified Water Safety Instructor for over 30 years. He is a knowledgeable authority in teaching swim lessons and lifesaving skills to families throughout New Jersey.
Northjersey.com visited Joe at one of Njswim’s locations – Njswim Lakeside in Landing, NJ – to discuss pool safety tips.
© Kevin R. Wexler – USA TODAY NETWORK
Pool Safety Checklist
• Create Barriers – Fences and gates surrounding pool areas should be locked. Stand any ladders upright away from the water.
• Know the Water Depth – Water depth versus the height of a swimmer is especially important to keep in mind. Young children are likely to follow you or an older child into the water.
• Reach or Throw Do not Go – Do not jump in and try to save someone. Have something nearby that you can use to rescue.
• Dial 911 – Children should know how to call 911 in case of an emergency.
• CPR – Parents and caregivers who receive CPR training will be better equipped to extend lifesaving care.
• DESIGNATE A WATER WATCHER – When everyone is watching, no one is watching. Designate an adult to keep their eyes on the water and swimmers. Even if there is a lifeguard on duty, two sets of eyes are better than one. The designated water watcher should be able to swim, know pool safety rules, and perform CPR.
“Drowning doesn’t happen like it appears on tv…it’s silent and surreal. You may look in the pool and see someone under the water and not know they are struggling. Keep in mind they are not going to yell for help and wave their arms. They are going to sink down under the water silently” Joe Oehme, Njswim Founder.
Njswim is aligned with Stop Drowning Now and the Safer 3 Water Safety Program which bring awareness to water safety education and aims to reduce the number of drowning incidents. The Safer 3 curriculum teaches families how to recognize risks and respond in emergencies.
Making water safety education a priority for your family throughout the year is a great way to stay safer during summer. Swim lessons can even make vacations more fun! Drowning is preventable if the right resources can be utilized to reduce risk.
At Njswim, our ‘Learn to Float’ philosophy is a Zen-like approach to putting safety first. Swim lessons begin as early as three months with our Water Babies class.
Have a safe and happy summer knowing that your children have the skills they need to prevent drowning. Visit one of our many locations throughout New Jersey.
