The Athletic Ministry encourages every Allen Temple member and their loved ones, regardless of age, to participate in Water Safety Month by attending a local Water Safety Day event. This initiative highlights the importance of water safety, particularly within our community. According to the CDC, drowning rates for Black individuals under 30 are 1.5 times higher than average. The risk increases significantly for Black children: those aged 5-9 face drowning rates 2.6 times higher, and those aged 10-14 experience rates 3.6 times higher. In public pools, this disparity rises to an alarming 7.6 times higher.
Learning to swim is a crucial life skill that can literally mean the difference between life and death. Watching swimming on television is not enough; proper lessons are necessary. We urge everyone to seek out infant, youth, teen, and adult swim lessons at your local city pool, YMCA, or swim school. Many facilities offer scholarships for those in need.
Essential Water Safety Tips
After completing swim lessons, keep these tips in mind to stay safe in and around water:
- Always check swim conditions before entering the water.
- Use and keep safety equipment nearby, such as life jackets and first aid kits (note: floaties are not substitutes for life jackets).
- Remain within sight of the nearest lifeguard at all times.
- Never swim alone.
- Closely supervise children, even in shallow water or if they already know how to swim.
- Read and follow all posted safety hazards and guidelines, including warnings like no swimming, no diving, no running, shallow rocks, and restrictions on water toys.
- Learn to recognize the signs of a distressed swimmer.
- Get trained in CPR.
- Apply sunscreen as directed to protect your skin.
- Talk to your children about water safety and make sure your home pool is properly secured.
We wish you a wonderful and safe experience in the water!