Even Good Swimmers Drown. What You Need to Know Before You Go Back in the Water.
Most Americans say they can swim, but can’t do basic water safety skills. And anyone can panic. Cannonballs can help.
Sometimes even good swimmers drown. Two drowning deaths shook our swimming community this year. A high school swim team member died during an open water practice while visiting Florida’s Gulf Coast, and an experienced paddleboarder also died in the intercoastal waters near the Tampa Bay area.
These tragedies fly in the face of the first line of defense in drowning prevention: Learn to swim.
When you can’t swim because of dangerous conditions, the distance to safety is too great, or you’re not strong enough, panic can set in. Water play can help you master basic water safety skills and prepare you for situations beyond your control, no matter your swim ability.
Children often practice these skills and learn how to be comfortable when first introduced to swim lessons and through play.
Maybe we all need not just to learn to swim, but also to learn to play in the water.
