Red Cross Health and Safty

Plantation, FL (April 29, 2010) — After two accidental drowning deaths in Broward County this week, the American Red Cross urges South Floridians to take extra precautions around home swimming pools and other places where children might swim unsupervised.

“While we are all looking forward to a summer of fun with our family and friends, it’s important to remember that most water-related accidents can be avoided by knowing how to stay safe and following a few simple guidelines,” says Hunter Ruffin, Regional Director of Health & Safety Services at the American Red Cross South Florida Region. “Everyone should know how to swim well. We can help families stay safe by teaching skills through our swimming and water safety program that teaches children and adults to learn how to swim skillfully and safely.”

Being surrounded by water in South Florida, there are ample opportunities to have fun this summer--but we must be educated and prepared before planning that day at the beach or the trip to the pool or lake. Knowing about water safety is essential as we head into the 2010 summer season.

According to Matthew Berman, Director of Broward County's SWIM Central, each family needs three layers of protection while around water. "Getting children swimming lessons at the earliest possible age could mean all the difference between life and death. We cannot stress enough about the three layers of protection: constant supervision, swimming lessons, door locks and alarms along with pool fences, as well as taking CPR courses will ensure the safety of your child in and around the water," states Mr. Berman.

• Be 16 years of age on or before the last day of class.
  
• Demonstrate proficiency in swimming skills including 25 yards of front crawl; 25 yards of back crawl; 25 yards of breaststroke; 25 yards of elementary backstroke; 25 yards of sidestroke and 15 yards of butterfly
• Tread water for 1 minute
• Maintain position on back for one minute in deep water either floating or sculling