MOUNT LAUREL, NJ (CBS) – Drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, but swimming lessons can save lives.
At Aqua-Tots in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, instructors encourage kids to take part of their classes in clothes, rather than swimsuits, to prepare themselves if they ever find themselves in the water unexpectedly.
“They feel how heavy their clothes are so they can feel like they are sinking because the clothes are pulling them down,” said Andrea Sahl, owner of Aqua-Tots in Mount Laurel.
This is the first time the swim school has tried the ‘clothed’ approach and Sahl believes it will help children understand that they can still swim with clothes on and potentially prevent them from panicking.
Shamya Kae enrolled her 10-month-old daughter in classes to get her used to the water. She plans to continue the classes in the coming years.
“Obviously accidents happen and for example if they are at home at their pool and accidentally fall in, they have their clothes on they know it’s okay, even with my clothes on I know how to swim safely or save myself.” Kae said.
Earlier this month, the CDC released a new study showing that drowning deaths are increasing in the United States, after decades of decline. The survey also found that about 15% of adults cannot swim and more than half have never taken swimming lessons. The numbers are higher among Black and Hispanic adults who may not have had access to classes.
The CDC recommends seeking accessible and affordable options for families through community organizations at the following links:
Liz Crawford
