CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) — It’s been a hot summer with many families looking for different ways to cool off, but officials say there have been at least five drownings in South Jersey in recent weeks. Now, there’s a renewed focus on water safety.
Sebastian is 11 years old and is going to sixth grade. But before the summer is over, he wants to learn how to swim better.
“Today we learn how to tread water and how to turn around in difficult situations,” he said.
Sebastian was one of more than 100 children who attended the ZAC Foundation Water Safety Camp at the Boys and Girls Club of Camden County. The camp combines swimming lessons with classroom instruction.
“The goal is for kids to learn how to get in and out of the water safely,” said Megan Ferraro, executive director of the Zac Foundation, “and what to do if they see someone in the water who is having trouble swimming.”
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of death in children ages 14 and younger.
The camp was founded in 2008 by Zachary Archer Cohn’s parents, Karen and Brian Cohn.
The 6-year-old drowned in their Connecticut backyard pool after his arm became trapped by the suction from the pool drain.
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The camp also emphasizes safety precautions parents can take, such as always being within arm’s reach, and encourages things you can do if you have a pool at home.
“If you have a pool in your backyard, put up an insulated fence on four sides and attach small doorbells to your door so you can hear if the door or window is opened,” Ferraro says.
Thanks to the camp, children like Sebastian feel more comfortable and confident in the water.
“I’m not so good at some skills, but she taught me a few others and how to do them better,” Sebastian said. “Now I feel a lot better at swimming.”
Ryan Hughes
