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INTERNATIONAL LEARN TO SWIM WEEK This week is the perfect time to focus on WHY learning to swim is SO important!!!! Not only is it a crucial survival skill but there are SO many other amazing reasons to go swimming. No matter your age, being in and around water has psychological and physiological advantages. Swimming: ... 1. Releases Energy 2. Emotionally Therapeutic 3. Develop Motor Skills 4. Develop Social Skills 5. Building language and communication 6. Stimulates creativity and imagination 7. Promotes cognitive development Swim lesson with a Water Safety Instructor is so much more than learning to swim and survival skills, it's embracing what water provides as a WHOLE. How does water make you feel? See more

Teaching swim lessons!

Water Competency... No one is drown-proof! Do you have the knowledge and skills to be able to anticipate, avoid, and survive common drowning situations? ... Stay safe! Stay smart! **Want to learn more from us? Check our our ALIVE Water Smart online trainings for parents, kids, and caregivers! (Link in comments) #watersafety #aquatics #learntoswim #drowningprevention #education #summer2021 #drowning #fridayvibes #alivewatersmartparents #alivewatersmartkids #alivesolutions

10 Water Safety Tips: From a Mom Who Investigates Drownings I investigate drownings and I’ve been a lifeguard for 26 years. I understand the realities of what c...an happen, often so quickly and quietly. I read a lot about water safety and tips telling parents paying attention to their children and not being distracted, which is so important. We see so many news articles about drowning during this time of year, but a lot of the advice isn’t practical and just highlights the problems, so I decided to write my own list of tips to help. Here is a list of 10 random things I do to keep my own kids safe in the water. #1: Safety Briefings - This actually started with a swim lesson procedure of making sure they always asked permission before entering the water. I have expanded it by having a little meeting about expectations. My kids now know to wait (sometimes impatiently continually asking me Mom, what do we need to knowcan we go yet?!?!?) until I give my briefing. I outline where they can swim, jump in, how they can jump in, and anything else safety related. A great time to do this is while applying sunscreen. They also know the consequences if they don’t follow the safety rules. These meetings are a way for me to teach my kids respect for the water. They obviously know it is dangerous, knowing what I do for work, but sometimes aquatic centers, waterparks, beaches, and pools look so fun and enticing, that it is easy to forget. I think as parents we need to be just as concerned with the safety as we are with the fun, but that takes effort. I think some people may not want to ruin the fun by adding in rules, but I know rules create boundaries, which gives freedom in safety. I also love including my children in the safety briefings. What do they think the rules should be? What do they see as dangerous? They have some amazing insights too and sometimes see things I didn’t think of right away! #2: Depths of water vs. height - My kids know depths of water and how to read them on the pool deck, and they know what it means related to their height. My 6 year old knows that 4 ft of water is over his head, and 3 1/2 ft of water is up to his eyes, which is still over his airway. My 8-year-old daughter knows that 4ft of water is at her eyes and she will need to tread and can’t have her airway out at this depth. This piece of knowledge helps them to make good decisions and helps them to understand how water depths are different for each person. Their taller friend may have no problem in the 4ft area, while they would need to tread or have trouble touching. Awareness of depth in relation to their body is important. This keeps me away from the But mom, Jayden gets to go over there. Yes, he does, he is also 6 taller than you are buddy! #3: How to Get Away - I jumped in fully clothed with my phone in my hand at my 8-year-old daughter’s all-star softball hotel swim session after a tournament. It was instinct, a 5-year-old boy panicked and grabbed onto a 4-year-old girl and they were both struggling. He was holding her down and trying to keep himself above the water. In I went and scooped both of them out. They were both naturally scared, and a little burping of water/air, but they were fine. We see this all the time in drowning events, swimmers who are okay on their own, have someone grab onto them because they are struggling and they can’t get away. I have taught, and I am still teaching my kids how to get away if someone grabs onto them. My daughter is a great swimmer, but I still don’t think she can tread water and keep her and another kid above the waterline. I’ve taught them to suck, duck, tuck: Suck in air if you can (get a breath), duck under the water (the struggling person doesn’t want to go there), and tuck (use your arms and legs to push away) - and then yell for an adult immediately to help the other person. I’ve also taught them to be very careful of who they touch/grab onto in a pool. Even adults can be weaker swimmers and may have a hard time with them hanging on. Personal space is key. #4: Distraction Reminders - I ask my kids to keep me accountable. They know either myself or my husband should be watching them at all times. We have told them that if we aren’t watching them, they need to get our attention and help us because as humans we get distracted naturally. I try to stay involved in their activity and also tried to keep my phone away, but I was still distracted with other kids, food, talking, you name itlife is full of distractions. I changed my tactic and downloaded a reminder app, and I set reminders for every minute. I turn my phone into airplane mode and then use the app. Every minute it alerts me and I have the notification say Kids Breathing, so I confirm my kids are ok and then clear the notification. Obviously, my goal is constant supervision, but sometimes my brain starts to wander to something I am thinking about and the notification checks me back in. There are tons of campaigns about designating a water watcher with a specific tag indicating you have the responsibility of watching the water. I think these are great tools, and we also need to make sure the water watcher is not distracted. Alerts can keep you focused as long as you stay off your phone for all other purposes. I put my phone in airplane mode, but you can still have the tendency to look at. Be aware of your distractions both internal and external. If the phone is a distraction all together, maybe alerts aren’t for you. Find what works to keep you focused and stick with it for the entire swim time. #5: Designate Breaks - We swim for a designated time, usually 30 minutes, but it varies depending on where we are and the activity taking place. Regardless, we always have breaks. I need these breaks more than my kids. They would swim endlessly for hours if I let them, but they need to rest and so do I. As a lifeguard, we would rotate every 20-30 minutes with the premise being to give our minds a break and so we could stay fresh. The same thing applies to parental supervision. I need to use the restroom, I need to do other things, I need a break too! So, we give time warnings and take swim breaks. Sometimes the breaks are also unscheduled, if I have to make an emergency restroom visit or answer the door, everyone gets out, every time! #6: Limited Trust - This may sound harsh, but I don’t trust other people to watch my kids in the pool. It is me or my husband, that is it. If they are swimming at Grandma’s they have to wear a lifejacket. If they are going in the water at the beach on a board with their cousin, they have to wear a lifejacket. I see so many events where trust was placed in another person, watch my kids while I go do XYZ, or grandpa took them to the pool, or a neighbor invited them over. I may love these people, and they may love my children, but I don’t trust them in this specific environment, nor do I want them to have to own that responsibility if something were to happen to one of my kids in their care. It just isn’t worth it. Do my kids whine, yep. Do I care, nope! They know the other option is they just don’t go. Same goes for school pool parties and camps with water activities, it just isn’t worth it for me. Same goes for lifeguarded swimming areas. I know I am my kids' primary source of supervision and the lifeguard(s) are there for back up and emergencies. I do not rely on them for basic supervision. I only have 2 children and I can supervise them much more closely than a lifeguard who has divided attention between 25 or more people. #7: Lifejackets are Cool - Culturally we seem to have a negative attitude towards lifejackets. I don’t think there is anything wrong with lifejackets, in fact, there are so many games and activities you can do with them. We just need to make them cool again. If there are a bunch of kids I’m watching, I’d rather have everyone be in a lifejacket. It can be a cousin lifejacket pool party. Having everyone in one makes it much cooler and doesn’t embarrass the littler kids or weaker swimmers. When I ran camps, even the counselors would wear them, be cool like them! Having rolling log challenges in the lifejackets, water balloon tossing contests, have relays to pass rings from your toes..the games are endless, and the safety is higher with everyone in a lifejacket. Now there are times that my kids will even say they would rather just be in a lifejacket. Awesome. **Just an added side note that when referring to lifejacket I am referring to a USCG approved lifejacket/PDF (check the inside of the jacket or vest). Noodles, Inflatables, baby circles, tubes, and all other items are not safety related and should not be used or trusted to keep your child safe. We see countless videos of kids who flip over in an inflatable ring and can't right themselves and are stuck underwater upside down, or are in arm floaties and can’t get their head out of the water because their arms aren’t strong enough, or who lose purchase of a kickboard they were holding onto for floatation. Even in a lifejacket, you need to diligently and constantly supervise as children can get in positions that can still obstruct their airway especially if they are younger or weaker. #8: Educate - My kids know what drowning can look like. They know water is dangerous. They know good swimmers can drown. They know medical events can happen without warning. They know that drowning can happen quickly. I talk about how events happen, about what their weaknesses are. They know they can’t breathe in the water, they know why we take breaks from swimming, they know why they enter the water feet first, they know why we don’t play breath holding games or activities. It isn’t just because I said so, I try to give them real reasons to my rules. A healthy fear of the water is a good thing. Our goal is to develop them into water smart adults on their own. Check out our ALIVE Water Smart Kids online training too! Sometimes they listen to other people better than their own parents, right!?! #9: Hey, Watch This Phrases like Hey, watch this usually are the beginning of something dangerous or a little crazy about to take place. This is a kids way of announcing they are pushing the boundaries or are going to show-off, and I take these phrases as a time to talk about danger and pushing boundaries. Are they just showing me something or are they about to do something risky? There is a difference and I try to talk about good decisions around the water. Phrases like Hey, watch this are ways to cue into other people’s behaviors and intentions. They now alert me when others use these types of phrases too. Remember, we live in a world of TikTok challenges! I always say we can have fun without being dumb. #10: See Something, Say Something My kids are part of my safety team. They are buddy watchers for each other and I ask them to look out for other kids. I’ll often ask my son where his sister is, or what the other person is doing. I want to train them to look at others and make sure they are okay, to know what they are doing. My daughter the other day said, Mom, I almost called youthat boy was under the water and I counted from 55, 4, 3, 2, 1 but he popped up again before I got to 2. I asked her, what would you do if he was still underwater when you got to one, and she said I’d say something to you or an adult until you responded. Perfect. Kids are an additional layer of protection and they have good instincts. My kids know not to assume someone is playing. If they see someone underwater, they start counting. So often, in drowning investigations we see kids (and adults) swimming over or around someone who is underwater and they don’t do anything. They assume they are okay, they assume they are playing, they assume they are doing it on purpose. Don’t assume. Teach them the 5 second rule (check out Mel Robbins book on the topic) and if they see something to say something. Other Water Safety Tips: Swim Lessons Save Lives Learn CPR - Drowning patients need oxygen - give air first! USCG approved lifejackets only - no arm floaties or inflatables Designate A Water Watcher / Swim with a Lifeguard Always use pool barriers and layers of protection Wear bright contrasting colors - stay visible! Enter the water feet first No running Stay hydrated / protect yourself from the sun No drugs / alcohol All water is dangerous - even inches Always swim with a buddy Lost / Missing kids - always check the water first I hope this helps and gives you some practical tips to improving safety during your water related activities. Share this information to hopefully prevent any more drownings. ***If you want to learn more check out our ALIVE Water Smart Parents online course! It highlights all of the keys we have learned in our careers and gives you practical solutions and strategies to be water smart! Link is in our bio to learn more. Thank you for sharing and helping to save lives! Stay safe! Stay Smart! -Natalie Livingston

Proper bathing attire is clothing made out of, not cotton not denim. This is what happens when you wear cotton -it gets into the filter and your water is not as clean when the filter is clogged with denim and cotton. Also hair, that’s why their are swim caps!

When swimming with your child IFDs (instructional flotation devices) are helpful, they help build the necessary muscles needed to swim. When using the correct IDF it helps with form for proper strokes. *never leave a child unattended in a IFD *only use an IFD for half your swim time, if the child is always in it they will develope a false sense of security for the water. They will expect that their own floating is what they feel in the IFD. These two below are ones I recommend.

Coastal Pines is hosting a Jr.Lifeguard class August 3-6 2020 from 9a.m-3p.m. Ages: 11-14 Let me know if you know someone that is interested.

My annual summer PSA: This is why babies and kids need to be in life jackets even when not moving. Don't wear your babies, don't bring them in their car seats, ...and don't think holding them will help. This happened in high school and I can't fathom what would have happened if there were kids on board. I was hit by a drunk driver. I was sober when a large pontoon pierced through my boat and we began sinking immediately. I was thrown from the drivers seat to the back of the boat where I smacked my head. If you are unconscious there is nothing you can do to save your helpless baby. Do not bring your child out on a boat without a life jacket. Part of being a parent is making sacrifices for our children. If your child screams in a life jacket, try a different one. If it continues stay on shore. Period. See more

WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW Drowning is silent and can happen in seconds. Enroll your kids in swimming lessons; learning to swim is the strongest defense against drowning.... Never leave kids alone in or around water, not even for a second. Put the cell phone away and give young children 100 percent of your attention when they are near or around water. Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone. There is always risk associated with being in, on and around the water. But, loss of life from drowning CAN and SHOULD be prevented and we have the power to make that happen. Being safe in and around the water requires more than just swimming lessons. It requires constant, careful supervision of children, appropriate fencing and safety equipment, protection from hazards, knowing what to do in an emergency, including CPR, and an understanding that safety is a personal responsibility. Learning to swim and the exposure to the water safety skills and messages that swimming lessons offer provide a lifelong foundation for drowning prevention. From www.wlsl.org

It can all wait. Sometimes there is no second chancesno do overs when it comes to drowning. We have to do it right when it counts. ... It can all wait. Give us a or a if you agree! Stay safe! Stay smart! #watersafety #drowningprevention #itcanallwait #bepresent #effectivesupervision #fillinyourblank #aquatics #pool #lake #beach #summer #summer2021 #blogger #kidtips #parentals #alivewatersmartparents #alivesolutions

Make sure to watch what your child is wearing when they are near or in the water so Water Watchers can easily keep an eye on them! #WSM2021 #watersafety #watersafe #drowningprevention #swimlessons #swimsuit #swimming

For LGIs who miss taking the Review in time, they have the option to take an LGI Crossover/Re-Entry with an LGIT (see attachment). We do not currently have an option for LGITs to take a Crossover/Re-Entry, so it’s especially important that LGITs do not miss taking their Review before expiring. (From my ARC Aqua Rep)

Lifeguard your children! Want to know more http://lifeguardyourchild.org/ I can help train you in CPR. I can help you and your child learn to swim. I can certify you in basic water rescue or Lifeguarding!

Giveaway TimeLet’s playWhat’s Wrong With This Picture??? Take a look. Take a guess below and all comments will be entered into a random drawing to win your c...hoice of one of our ALIVE Water Smart courses! The winner will be announced randomly tonight or tomorrowso leave your comment now! This photo was taken at a hotel this morning. We could also call thisWould you swim here?Let’s see who has been paying attention to our water smart tips! Stay safe! Stay smart! #giveaway #wednesday #whatswrongwiththispicture #wouldyouswimhere #watersafety #drowningprevention #learntoswim #swimlessonssavelives #lifejacketssavelives #summmer #pool #alivesolutions

Swim with your children; teach them to respect the water. Pick swim lessons that include water safety! Make sure your instructor is certified. See if they have a current CPR certification. Have more questions feel free to ask!

Remember: no solo bathing, never swim alone, always swim with a buddy. Anyone can drown, even swimmers, even lifeguards, even swim team members, even adults, even teens that are good swimmers.