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Goldfish Swim School's Commitment to Safety

As September approaches, Goldfish Swim School, North America's leading swim education franchise, shines a spotlight on baby safety in recognition of National Baby Safety Month. This initiative aims to educate parents and caregivers about the essential practices needed to keep infants safe around water, a crucial yet often overlooked concern.

Water safety awareness is paramount, especially during vital developmental stages for children. Infants and toddlers, from birth to three years old, are at heightened risk of drowning in everyday environments, including bathtubs, buckets, and even outdoor water features. According to the CDC, drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death for children aged 1 to 4 years old and the second leading cause for those aged 5 to 14.

Understanding the Risks

Dr. Molly O'Shea, the official pediatrician for Goldfish Swim School, underscores that many caregivers underestimate the risks of water-related accidents in places like bathtubs. Unfortunately, almost 70% of toddler drownings take place during non-swim times when parents may not be fully aware of their surroundings.

Goldfish Swim School is dedicated to changing this narrative. They believe that knowledge is powerful. Through educational programs, they aim to equip families with crucial information that can help prevent these tragedies.

Important Water Safety Tips

As part of this initiative, Goldfish Swim School shares expert tips designed specifically for the safety of babies around water:
1. Stay Vigilant: Always keep your baby within arm's reach when they are near any body of water, including bathtubs and sinks.
2. Secure Water Areas: Install safety latches on toilets and keep bathroom doors closed to prevent curious toddlers from wandering in.
3. Be Proactive: Immediately empty any buckets, baby pools, or similar vessels after use to eliminate potential hazards.
4. Start Early: Enroll your baby in water safety-focused swim lessons as early as 4 months. Studies have shown that formal swim lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%.
5. Develop a Safety Plan: Have a five-layer strategy that includes barriers and alarms, constant supervision, water competency, proper fitting life jackets, and emergency preparedness training.
6. Limit Distractions: Avoid being distracted by phones or other devices during bath time or when your child is near water.
7. Check Water Temperature: Always test the bath water for temperature to prevent burns from water that can heat up quickly.
8. Know Your Environment: Familiarize yourself with neighborhood water dangers and ensure doors are secure to prevent little wanderers from accidentally accessing dangerous areas.

Community Engagement

In addition to providing necessary information, Goldfish Swim School also hosts special 30-minute Bath Time Safety presentations aimed at parents and caregivers, promoting safe practices related to bath time and water safety.

Olympic gold medalist and Goldfish Swim School Water Safety Ambassador Ryan Murphy emphasizes that even seasoned swimmers need to maintain a heightened awareness of water safety, particularly when it concerns their little ones. He notes how fast an infant can find themselves in potential danger, reinforcing the importance of constant vigilance and preventive measures.

Goldfish Swim School is passionate about spreading awareness and education during National Baby Safety Month and throughout the year. By doing so, they hope to ensure that every family feels confident and safe in settings where water is present.

For families looking to learn more about water safety or find a Goldfish Swim School location nearby, check out their website at Goldfish Swim School.

With a strong foundation built on research and child-centered education methods, Goldfish Swim School is changing lives, one swim lesson at a time.

About Goldfish Swim School

Founded in 2006 by Chris and Jenny McCuiston, Goldfish Swim School offers swim lessons and safety education for children aged 4 months to 12 years. Their mission is to create a safe, fun learning environment that encourages water competency while instilling a love for swimming.