When to start kids in swim classes? Water safety tips as Central IL pools reopen

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Memorial Day is one week away and pools across Central Illinois will soon be open. So when should you enroll your children in swimming lessons?

According to the American Red Cross, exercising proper water safety and participating in swim lessons can reduce the chance of drowning by 88% for children ages 1-4 years.

Donny Holm, Aquatics Coordinator for the Champaign Park District, said parents should think about putting kids in classes when they are around six months old.

“At later ages, a big hurdle that people face is the fear or just uncomfortable in the water,” Holm said. “And having that experience, before they’re even really able to form memories of just being in the water, really gives them that good baseline.”

When can you dive into pools across Central Illinois?

In addition, here are some water safety tips to remember this summer from the Red Cross:

• No matter your age, don’t go swimming alone. Young children shouldn’t be left unattended near water. Don’t trust a child’s life to another child.

• Designate a “water watcher.” This person should keep a close eye and attention on children as well as weaker swimmers around the water.

• Ensure young children or inexperienced swimmers wear proper life jackets around the water, but don’t rely on life jackets alone.

• If there is an emergency, remember to “Reach or throw, don’t go!” If someone is in trouble in the water, extend or throw an object to them to help instead of putting yourself at drowning risk.

Among the pools opening in Central Illinois this upcoming weekend is Sholem Aquatic Center. This year, Sholem will be having a swim lesson assessment. Kids will go through skill sets to be placed in their correct class.

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