May is National Water Safety Month, an annual campaign coordinated by several agencies including The American Red Cross, National Drowning Prevention Alliance, and the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance. The Alaska Club is promoting the message by encouraging everyone to be water aware. According to the CDC, drowning is a leading cause of death for children. Here are some facts:
- More children ages 1-4 die from drowning than any other cause of death.
- For kids ages 5-14, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death after motor vehicle crashes.
- According to a report from The State of Alaska, 20 children under the age of 14 died in drownings during a six-year period between 2016-2021, many of which had been left unattended by an adult.
We can do better to prevent drownings. This month, The Alaska Club is asking kids to take the Safe Swimmer Pledge before they take a plunge:
“I’m a Safe Swimmer” Pledge:
I pledge to never swim alone.
I pledge to never play or swim near drains or suction fittings.
I pledge to always jump in feet first.
I pledge to obey the pool rules.
Pledge certificates will be available in the pool areas of East, South, Eagle River, Wasilla, and Fairbanks South. Kids can sign the pledge when they come for open swim, swim team practice, or swim lessons. We’ll have photo backdrops set up in the pool areas so you can snap a picture of your child proudly holding their Safe Swimmer certificate. Post it on social media and tag The Alaska Club or email your photo to marketingmail@thealaskaclub.com and you’ll be entered to win a pool party for up to 15 friends!
In addition to the Safe Swimmer Pledge, look for social media posts this month from TAC’s swim instructors and lifeguards. They’ll also be discussing water safety during swim lessons.
Be a part of National Water Safety Month by ensuring that your children know how to swim, monitoring them when they’re around water, and asking them to take the Safe Swimmer Pledge. Our Starfish Academy offers both group and private lessons year-round for swimmers of every age and skill level. Learn more and register today at https://www.thealaskaclub.com/starfish-academy-swim-lessons.
Swimming is a life-long skill that saves lives. Let’s work together to raise awareness for water safety not only this month, but year-round.
The Alaska Club Staff
View news coverage from ABC13/FOX 4 Anchorage TV News:
https://www.youralaskalink.com
*Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/facts/