Learning to swim is not just a valuable skill; it can be a lifesaver, as my family discovered firsthand. This story of how learning to swim saved our infant daughter’s life is a testament to the importance of water safety education and the profound impact it can have on the well-being of young children.
It Was a Warm, Summer Day
It was a warm summer day when my husband and I decided to take our daughter, Emily, then just a year old, to a nearby pool for some family fun. Like any parents, we were excited to see her splash around and enjoy the water. However, what started as a typical outing quickly turned into a terrifying ordeal.
Tragedy Struck
As we played in the shallow end of the pool, Emily, always curious and adventurous, managed to slip away from our watchful eyes for just a moment. In that brief lapse of attention, she wandered into the deeper end of the pool, where the water was well over her head. Panic set in as we realized that she was struggling to stay afloat, her tiny arms flailing in desperation.
“Thank Goodness” for Prior Lessons
In that heart-stopping moment, it was Emily’s early exposure to swimming lessons that proved to be her saving grace. Months prior, we had enrolled her in infant swim classes, where she began to learn basic water survival skills under the guidance of trained instructors. Little did we know that those lessons would one day make all the difference.
As Emily struggled in the water, her instincts kicked in, and she began to utilize the techniques she had learned in class. With surprising determination and composure, she managed to turn herself onto her back and float, allowing her to breathe and stay above water until we reached her side.
A Heart-Stopping Moment!
The relief we felt when we pulled her to safety was immeasurable. In that moment, we realized just how crucial it was for children, even infants, to learn how to swim and float. Without those skills, the outcome could have been tragically different.
From that day forward, water safety became a top priority in our household. We reinforced the importance of swimming lessons and constant supervision whenever our family was near water. We also educated ourselves on CPR and other life-saving techniques, knowing that being prepared could mean all the difference in an emergency situation.
A Powerful Reminder for Learning to Swim
Emily’s experience serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early water education. While no parent wants to imagine their child in a life-threatening situation, the reality is that accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. By equipping children with the skills and knowledge they need to stay safe in and around water, we can help prevent tragedies and ensure that every child has the opportunity to enjoy the wonders of swimming in a safe and secure manner.
In the end, learning to swim not only saved Emily’s life but also instilled in our family a profound sense of gratitude and awareness. It’s a lesson we will carry with us always, reminding us of the incredible power of preparation and the precious gift of water safety.
Life Saver Survival Swim School
The story that you have just read is a story that told to me from one of my fellow instructors. I would like to tell you that it was from one of my own student’s parents, but, that just wouldn’t be true. However, the message in the story is quite clear… infants are much safer around water if they learn to swim and float!
Life Saver Survival Swim School, LLC is my school in north Houston. We have been teaching infants 6 months old and older to swim and float for over 20 years now. We teach young children to survive if they ever find themselves in any aquatic situation.
My name is Bonnie. If you have young children that still haven’t learned to swim and float, or perhaps you know someone else who has children that don’t know how to swim and float, sign them up in one of our upcoming classes. Or, if you still have questions, give me a call by dialing (832) 366-3008. Or, of course, you can email me.