Swim Season

As a parent, I have always felt that swimming was an integral part of a child's step into independence....I don't know why, for me they have always been linked. It gives a child the independence to do a task by themselves, enjoy it and excel at it at a very young age. What a great sport!

There is swim therapy for children with asthma, swim therapy for children who are disabled, and swim therapy for those children identified to have ADHD. As I try to think about other sports..there really is none other that has such profound effects on those that have special needs.

As the entire country watched this past summer in awe as Michael Phelps won a record 8 Gold Medals..we heard again and again..it was swimming that pulled him through his young years of ADHD and the trauma of his parents divorce. I go back to two summers ago when my children and I were at the NAU Aquatics Center and were fortunate enough to watch the Special Olympics swimmers train. It was a powerful sight to see a person strapped to a wheel-chair, not being able to walk but to get in the pool and swim lap after grueling lap. Nothing has moved me like that since.

So..we dedicate this issue to the swimmers of our cities...as the Summer Rec Swim Programs start all over the Valley, all backyard swim schools are in full-gear, swim teams from around the state, gear up for regional summer meets..we have many tips for you, safety programs to be aware of and of course, many swim programs to use as resources for the area in which you live.

As those hundred degree temps come knocking at our doors, please remember..there is no fence, no locking door, no whistle watcher to replace the grand ol' sport of teaching your child the skills to swim..that, along with your constant supervision, is the best protection you can give.

Here's to swim safety!

-Jennifer

Water Safe Kids teaches the Infant Swimming Resource program. ISR is the most comprehensive drowning prevention strategy for infants and young children in the world. Our students are as young as 6 months through 6 years of age. All lessons are one on one. No group lessons.

What your child will learn:

Babies 6 to 12 months

* Hold their breath underwater
* Roll onto their back
* Float unassisted, rest and breathe until help arrives
* Perform these self-rescue skills first in a swim diaper, then while fully clothed

Children 1 to 6 years old

* Hold their breath underwater
* Swim with their head down
* Roll onto their back to float, rest, and breathe
* Roll back over to resume swimming until they reach the side of the pool, crawl out or be rescued by an adult
* Perform these self-rescue skills first in a swim diaper (if they wear a diaper), then while fully clothed

* The Right Program
* About Lessons
* FAQ
* Tuition
* Register for Lessons

THE DEAL: Register by May 15th for the 4th week of tuition - FREE! Contact Water Safe Kids TODAY!