Swim classes spotlight water security as Southern Arizona heads into summer season

MARANA, Ariz. (KGUN) — With triple-digit temperatures already arriving in Southern Arizona, water security specialists are encouraging households to make swimming classes a precedence earlier than the peak of summer season pool season.

That message was on show Saturday in Marana, the place British Swim School North Tucson hosted free swim classes designed to introduce youngsters and households to fundamental water-survival expertise and swimming fundamentals.

For dad or mum Alexis Gonzalez, the significance of swim classes comes right down to how shortly an accident can occur.

“It only takes one second… You turn around, then they’re in the water!” Gonzalez mentioned.

Drowning stays a serious concern for Arizona households. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the main reason behind dying for kids ages 1 to 4 nationwide and one of many main causes of unintentional damage deaths amongst older youngsters. Arizona has traditionally recorded drowning charges amongst younger youngsters that exceed the nationwide common, notably in communities with giant numbers of residential swimming pools.

Robyn Sawant, proprietor of British Swim School North Tucson, mentioned water-safety training ought to start early.

“When you look at pediatric guidelines, it is now recommended that children age 1 and above begin swim lessons,” Sawant mentioned. “And if they are comfortable in water, they can begin even earlier.”

During Saturday’s occasion, instructors taught foundational expertise reminiscent of secure pool entry and exit, kicking to a wall and floating on the again — methods designed to assist youngsters keep calm and survive in the event that they unexpectedly enter the water.

“We practice those skills,” Sawant mentioned. “For our more advanced students, we will look at their stroke development and see ‘where can we tweak those strokes.’”

Gonzalez introduced her 4-year-old son, Lucius, for his first-ever swim lesson.

“He has no fear in terms of a swimming pool,” she mentioned. “So I want him to be able to know that when he gets into a water environment, that he knows: One, how to get out safely and how to navigate water from the deep end to the shallow end.”

Beyond security, Gonzalez hopes swimming will create lasting childhood recollections.

“His best friend, she’s in swim classes and she’s already learning how to dive,” Gonzalez mentioned. “They’re the same age: age 4. So he’s wanting to do what she’s doing, and I think this will build those memories for the both of them.”

Local officers and swim instructors alike stress that layers of safety — together with energetic supervision, pool limitations and formal swim classes — stay the most effective protection in opposition to drowning as Arizona enters one other busy summer season swimming season.

City of Tucson Parks and Recreation: https://www.tucsonaz.gov/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation

Pima County Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Aquatics: https://www.pima.gov/aquatics

Town of Marana Aquatics and Swim Lessons: https://www.maranaaz.gov/aquatics

Town of Oro Valley Aquatic Center: https://www.orovalleyaz.gov/Government/Departments/Parks-and-Recreation/Aquatic-Center

City of South Tucson Parks and Recreation: https://www.southtucsonaz.gov/parks-and-recreation

British Swim School North Tucson: