Massanutten Resort takes half in ‘World’s Largest Swimming Lesson’

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) – As households start to spend extra time within the water this summer time, security specialists reminded mother and father Thursday morning that swimming classes can save lives.

Massanutten Resort joined a worldwide effort to show important swim expertise and lift consciousness about drowning prevention via the “World’s Largest Swimming Lesson.” More than 100 households registered for the occasion at Massanutten, the place they realized a number of swimming strategies that would save themselves and others.

Bill Frazier, Massanutten Resort’s aquatic operations supervisor, mentioned the occasion had attendees studying about floating, life jackets, swimming and understanding what to do when others are within the water with them. Lessons additionally included completely different swimming strokes.

Frazier mentioned drowning can occur in seconds and is usually silent, which he mentioned is why it’s so vital for folks to take part within the occasion to be taught the indicators of drowning and to restrict distractions in water, whether or not it’s at a pool, lake, river or water park.

“It’s them learning as much as the kids. A lot of parents believe that when I drop my kid off at a pool that’s lifeguarded, that they’re safe,” Frazier mentioned. “They are not the sole way that a kid stays safe. Ultimately, that falls on us as parents.”

Frazier reiterated how each mother and father and youngsters must know simply how vital swim classes are earlier than getting into any physique of water this summer time. He mentioned formal swim classes deal with each studying the way to swim and the way to take action safely, noting how “both of them are going to save you.”

Vanessa Bell Despios, a mom who participated on the lesson, mentioned she is joyful occasions like this exist and inspired mother and father to all the time keep alert and be ready when their kids are within the water.

“Don’t blink, don’t look away. So many things can happen so quickly — especially, I have a two year old, you turn your head to the left and the right, and they are not where you left them, and that can be the case in water as well. You just want to be vigilant,” Despios said. “Children are a blessing, and you want to do what you can to make sure that they grow to see adulthood and take their rightful place in the world.”

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among children, Frazier mentioned, which is why organizers hope occasions like this encourage extra households to prioritize swim classes and water security schooling.