Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean there aren’t great reasons to keep your little swimmers safe in and around the water (though we will certainly celebrate when it does get warmer again!). Here are some common myths when it comes to winter water safety, and the facts behind them:

MYTH: It’s cold outside, so we won’t be swimming.

FACT: Just because you won’t be trekking to the outdoor community pool until the weather is warmer doesn’t mean you won’t encounter the chance to go swimming elsewhere, including:

  • An indoor water park resort. These family-friendly resorts are based on having everyone swim and play in large, heated indoor pools with waterslides, which are very enticing for kids of all ages (regardless of swim ability).
  • Holiday break, winter break, spring break, or visiting family and friends in a tropical locale could definitely mean an opportunity for heading into a pool or the ocean.
  • Instead of having the kids over in a heavily-decorated basement, many families choose to have their birthday parties in places of business designed for hosting parties (like a Goldfish Swim School birthday party, perhaps?).

MYTH: I don’t let my child go swimming without me, so we’re OK.

FACT: Accidents can happen near ANY body of water, whether or not you are nearby. Take it from Lindsey Allen, mom to 9-year-old Zachary. One winter day, Zachary and his buddies decided to venture out onto the frozen-over retention pond in their neighborhood — when suddenly the ice beneath Zachary gave way and he fell through the ice. His friends were unable to help him as the ice began to break beneath them as well, but Zachary didn’t let panic set in and he began to tread water while breaking a pathway in the ice to a nearby embankment.

Zachary’s mom, Lindsey, credits her son’s quick thinking to the water safety skills he learned while taking swim lessons at Goldfish Swim School in Dublin, Ohio. Even though they were not expecting Zachary to be swimming or in any water that day, he was prepared.

Read more about the story, which occurred last year, here.

MYTH: Since we only go swimming where there are lifeguards, if anything happens someone will be able to help.

FACT: Even though lifeguards are specially trained, it can still be difficult to spot someone in distress and react in time. That’s why it’s important for parents and other swimmers to be able to recognize the signs of drowning and what to do if someone needs help while swimming — and why you need water safety tips in winter, too.

The instructors at Goldfish Swim School use integrity, compassion and trust each week while teaching kids how to swim — but even more than that, the instructors incorporate water safety skills during each lesson. These skills include understanding what role lifeguards play, how to act appropriately in and around water, what to do if kids are having trouble swimming or if they see someone else in trouble, and lifesaving techniques. And, just like any other important lesson, water safety is one that bears repeating, over and over again, so it’s second nature.

MYTH: My baby isn’t even walking yet, so I don’t need to worry about water safety.

FACT: Babies are masters at moving around deftly (and sometimes silently) whether they are walking or not, and they’re also very curious and inquisitive little beings who want to learn and investigate everything they see. Sometimes, that includes bodies of water. By teaching your little one how to swim at a very young age (yes, your baby can start taking swim lessons before age 1!),  you’ll be giving her the tools she needs should an accident happen in water…because seconds count.

Goldfish Swim School focuses on water safety

One of the reasons Goldfish Swim School is worth the money is because of the emphasis we place during each lesson on water safety, all year long (well, that and the extraordinary results you’ll see in your little swimmer, of course!). Because of that repetition and a few other reasons, perpetual (or year-round) swim lessons are the best at giving your child a GOLDEN experience in the water. Check out a Goldfish Swim School location near you and stop by to witness our WOW! customer service and sign up today!