National Drowning Prevention Month

As the weather heats up, it’s hard to avoid the water; pools, lakes, beaches, rivers and, in Florida, canals. Unfortunately, Drowning is the second leading cause of death among children aged 1-14, and children aged 1-4 are at the highest risk in their own backyard pools. May has been named National Drowning Prevention Month in an effort to decrease these tragic numbers. And nobody has been more dedicated to ending childhood drowning than Baby Otter Swim School.

No one is immune to drowning, even those who know how to swim. A few factors influence the risk of drowning. Among younger children, a lack of barriers around pools is a major contributor to accidental drowning. A lack of close supervision primarily affects small kids as well, whether in the pool or in the bathtub. According to the CDC, the “percentage of drownings in natural water settings, including lakes, rivers and oceans, increases with age.” More than half of drowning tragedies in those over 15 years old happen in natural bodies of water.

Drowning is Preventable

Baby Otter offers “Layers of Protection” (an educational CD available on their website) to better prepare parents to prevent senseless childhood tragedies.

Drowning is preventable with proper swim lessons, life jackets in natural water settings, and CPR performed by bystanders. It is never too late to learn how to swim–and never too early! With Baby Otter Swim School, children (from 9 months) and adults alike can learn to swim with the Turn. Kick. Reach™ method in their own home or at Baby Otter licensed resorts around the world. In just five lessons, Baby Otter can teach the basics of swimming to ensure that students are safer in the water. Baby Otter works with each student to make sure the lessons are at the appropriate level and that they provide the most effective protection against accidental drowning. Contact us today at 1-888-SWIM-KID (794-6543) to find the nearest location and to begin your own drowning prevention program today.