Hey Loudouners!
Our very own Goldfish Swim School Ashburn is doing their part to promote Swimming Safety this summer. Whether it’s a trip to the beach or a dip in the community or backyard pool, we all need to be extremely vigilant when our kids are in the water. So, help us spread the word with this live-saving message as Goldfish Swim School will be a participating host in Ashburn, for the World's Largest Swimming Lesson!
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™(WLSL) is a great opportunity for parents and caregivers to learn more about water safety and to see firsthand the impact that swim lessons can have on their children's lives. Goldfish Swim School-Ashburn is a premier learn-to-swim facility for kids ages 4 months to 12 years. They use a holistic philosophy, The Science of SwimPlay®, to build life skills both in and out of the water using play-based learning in a fun and safe environment. They provide state-of-the-art aquatic facilities that are designed to enhance learning with their indoor swim classes and programs for children. Swim over to their website for more information.
What: Goldfish Swim School - Ashburn is one of hundreds of facilities participating in the 14th annual World’s Largest Swimming Lesson™ (WLSL) to help make a splash for water safety this summer. An approximate of 190 of kids and their families will be on site swimming and learning about water safety at Goldfish Swim School-Ashburn, joining a swim-pressive number of families around the world in this single day event.
When: Thursday, June 22, 2023
2:30pm-3:00pm:
Families will be signing in and swim instructors will be setting up to start your lessons.
3:00pm-7:30pm: WLSL event begins
Where: Goldfish Swim School-Ashburn
21140 Ashburn Crossing Dr. Unit 115
Ashburn, VA. 20147
Why: Tragically, drowning is the single leading cause of unintended death of children ages 1-4 in the U.S. and the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide. Research by the National Library of Medicine shows participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning for kids ages 1-4 by 88%. While Goldfish Swim School is dedicated to water safety all year round, raising awareness for the importance of water confidence is particularly important this time of year.
According to a recent survey, nearly 60% of families plan to vacation near the water this summer, but only 33% of parents feel confident in their children’s swimming abilities. Days like the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson are important to help make more children stronger, safer swimmers.
Here are five tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all.
1. NEVER SWIM ALONE OR WITHOUT A WATER WATCHER.
When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.
2. SUPERVISE YOUR CHILDREN WHENEVER THEY’RE IN OR NEAR WATER
Whether it’s bath time or taking a dip in a pool or lake, make sure your children are within arm’s reach at all times.
3. DON’T ENGAGE IN BREATH HOLDING ACTIVITIES
There are plenty of fun games to play in the water; breath-holding games are not one of them. Children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can cause drowning and has several other severe physical side-effects.
4. WEAR A LIFE JACKET
Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
5. DON’T JUMP IN THE WATER TO SAVE A FRIEND WHO IS STRUGGLING IN DEEP WATER
If a child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural instinct may be to jump in the water to try to save them. Even if a child is a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them and easily pull the rescuer underwater. The Y’s Safety Around Water program teaches the “reach, throw, don’t go” concept of using a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety. By using this technique children can help their friend without compromising their own safety.
