Pediatric drowning. A very tough topic. But an important one. As a nation, we truly can eliminate just about all fatal pediatric drownings, if we choose to do so. I got to thinking about this because the New York Times’ Mara Gay has a great new essay
What age to encourage free lessons and how to build engagement?
Completely agree, was almost touched by this tragedy last year - neighbor kids (9) found his 2 year old sister at bottom of their pool - she somehow breached the safety fence (which should be impenetrable - I have one) and fell in. His quick action saved her, but when I found her (he ran to me to get help) I thought she was lost. Crazy.
My bias is age 4 or so because that’s what the old school Olympic swimmer (Ann Curtis) who ran the local swim school I grew up near told us. Any earlier and I think you’re just deluded into thinking they have the tools they need to avoid the worst outcome. But by 4 or 5, they have the cognitive ability to deploy self preserving tactics, if they are comfortable in the water.
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What age to encourage free lessons and how to build engagement?
Completely agree, was almost touched by this tragedy last year - neighbor kids (9) found his 2 year old sister at bottom of their pool - she somehow breached the safety fence (which should be impenetrable - I have one) and fell in. His quick action saved her, but when I found her (he ran to me to get help) I thought she was lost. Crazy.
Wow that’s a scary story.
My bias is age 4 or so because that’s what the old school Olympic swimmer (Ann Curtis) who ran the local swim school I grew up near told us. Any earlier and I think you’re just deluded into thinking they have the tools they need to avoid the worst outcome. But by 4 or 5, they have the cognitive ability to deploy self preserving tactics, if they are comfortable in the water.