Experts offer swimming safety tips ahead of summer

CHANHASSEN, Minn. — Before you head to the lake or pool this summer, don’t forget to freshen up your clothes water safety.

The sun is shining and the pool is waiting. Three-year-old Blair Bykowski is ready for swimming lessons.

“She has come so far and she loves being in the water,” said mother Adrianna Bykowski.

For Adrianna Bykowski, it’s all about safety.

“Living in Minnesota, there are lakes everywhere and I think it’s really important that your child knows how to save themselves if the worst happens,” she said.

“We are very excited to welcome everyone back to the pool, but it is going to be quite busy,” said Erika Girard, lead supervisor of Life Time Aquatics. “Swimming lessons help parents be proactive about water safety.”

Blair Bykowski teaches the basics, from floating to breathing and bubbling – skills that may have taken over in recent years.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 4,000 Americans drown every year. But after the pandemic, that number rose to 4,500.

It is the main cause of death among children aged 1 to 4 years.

“With the pandemic and everyone being at home, swimming lessons stopped,” Girard said.

While classes at Life Time continue to improve, Girard says it’s important to keep water safety top of mind.

She tells parents to always maintain visual contact with children, keep a distance of 3 meters from non-swimmers and that the ratio of one swimmer to three non-swimmers should not be greater.

“Now that it’s starting to click, I really think their confidence is through the roof. They know that if they need to, they can use their little arms and legs to move out of the way,” said Adrianna Bykowski.

Another tip: Experts say you should use a Coast Guard-certified life jacket instead of an inflatable one.