5 Dangerous Myths about Swimming

According to cdc.gov drowning is the leading cause of death for children 1 to 4 years old.  So many parents are misinformed about what is safe when it comes to swimming.  Read on to learn about some myths that many parents need to know the truth about!

 

1.       MYTH: Doggie paddling is effective swimming.

FACT: Doggie paddling is NOT effective swimming!  That is why, even from the youngest age groups here at Five Star Aquatics, we teach students to do big scooping arm.  If you have a child that does the doggie paddle, they are not safe to swim alone or unsupervised because this type of swimming takes a lot of energy to stay afloat.  In many cases a child who is doggie paddling will become tired and panicked, causing them to submerge in the water and possibly drown.

2.       MYTH: My child can swim wearing floaties or using a tube.

FACT: A child who relies on a flotation device does NOT know how to swim and should NOT be left unattended.   Again, even our youngest age groups at Five Star Aquatics are taught without flotation devices.  We believe that flotation devices during swim lessons prevent students from learning the correct way to swim.  The child who relies on their floaties may either become extremely dependent on them or have a false sense of security in the water, thus causing them to be very unsafe swimmers.  Tubes are considered toys and not  lifesaving devices.  These and other toys such as rafts or noodles should be used only under the supervision of adults.

3.       MYTH: It’s better to wait until a child is older to enroll in swim lessons.

FACT: The best time to start a child in swim lessons is when they are a baby.  The earlier children get acclimated to the water, the easier it will be for them to learn how to swim.  We begin lessons at only 6 months old at Five Star Aquatics.  The longer you wait to introduce your child to the pool, the more the fear takes over and children can build a phobia about swimming.  Some parents believe that babies don’t learn much during their swim lessons, but there are many skills that begin at this young age.  In our Parent & Child and Sea Horse classes, babies learn basic arm movements, kicking, floating, blowing bubbles, and jumping into the water.  

4.       MYTH: Summer is the best time to learn to swim.

FACT:  If you waited until summer to enroll in swim lessons, you waited too long.  Summer is the most common time that swimming takes place at the beach, lake, water park or pool.  You should prepare your child before this time of year comes to ensure their safety.  The most effective swimmers take lessons throughout the fall, winter, and spring to stay on top of their skills.  At Five Star Aquatics we offer swim lessons all year round in a warm, 90 degree, salt water swimming pool.

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5.       MYTH: My child doesn’t need to learn how to swim because we don’t have a pool.

FACT: Swimming is an important life skill that everyone should learn, whether you have a pool at home or not.   No matter how much you try to avoid it, there will always be a situation that may arise when swimming would be necessary.  After all, the Earth is 71% covered by water.  If you think you or your child can play it safe by staying in the shallow end of the pool or only putting your feet in, think again.  The American Red Cross states that drowning can and has occurred in less than one inch of water.  Bathtubs, toilets, puddles, and buckets even pose a threat to small children. 

Are you, or someone you know, guilty of believing any of these myths?  Send this to a friend to remind them about water safety.  Teach your children how to swim properly and always supervise them while around water.