First 5 Humboldt and HealthSPORT invite caregivers with young children to sign up for the second annual Little Swimmers Fun Day on Saturday May 2nd at the Arcata HealthSPORT Pool. The event is free, but registration is required as space is limited. Sign up at healthsport.com/watersafetyday to reserve a spot.
This free event provides a comprehensive water safety lesson for parents of young kiddos, as well as a shortened group swim lesson to cover the basics and show families what a swim lesson at HealthSPORT feels like. We will also have water safety booths, snacks, and prizes, and we invite families to stay to attend a complimentary family swim session starting at 12 pm.
May is Water Safety Month, and with summer coming it’s an important time to think about keeping everyone safe while you enjoy the water, whether it’s a backyard pool or hot tub, or our local rivers and beaches. Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children, and it happens very quickly. Here are some key safety tips for enjoying the water with kids:
- The most important safety measure is close supervision. Any time children are near or in the water, a (sober) adult should be assigned to supervise — no phones, no distractions. Tragedies happen when there are lots of people around, but everyone assumes someone else is watching. Make sure someone is always ‘on duty’ and taking it seriously. When you need a break, clearly pass the role to another adult.
- Be aware of your surroundings — is the water too cold, or too deep, or is the current too swift for safe water play? If you are at the beach, watch how far the waves are coming in and out. Our local rivers are beautiful but often much too cold and fast for safe swimming, especially in the start of the summer. The ocean is cold and dangerous year-round, and children near the shoreline need close supervision.
- Teach your children to always ask permission before they get in the water, and never to do so without an adult supervising.
- Help your children learn to swim! HealthSPORT offers swim lessons for all ages in Eureka and Arcata through HealthSPORT Swim School.
Swimming and splashing with your children is joyful — keep them safe and have fun!
About First 5 Humboldt
First 5 Humboldt works to improve the health, early learning, and well-being of young children and their families in Humboldt County using evidence-based methods and community engagement.
For more information, go to www.first5humboldt.org or call (707) 445-7389.