Program teaches young children how to save themselves from drowning
When it comes to saving a child from drowning every second matters.
Supervision and other measures can help save a life.
However, one program aims to build up the most important line of defense, the child himself.
Sonya Brondel is teaching two-year-old Elizabeth what to do, if mommy is not around to save her right away. Brondel is an area instructor for Infant Swimming Resource.
They teach children as young as crawling age, how to save their own life if no one is nearby. It's a needed skill. According to the CDC, about one in five drowning deaths, are kids under 14.
“If he can run, walk crawl and jump he can roll over, float and save his own life. As they engage the environment, the instructors guide their behaviors to things that would save their life,” said Joann Barnett, founder and president.
Fifteen-month old Finley started the program three weeks ago, and picked up well. “It gives me a little time to react. It gives me a little peace of mind when I go to work when my husband at work. The nanny is with them. It also gives her peace and security,” said Manuela Ewing, Finley’s mother.
“These skills, as impressive as they are, should be a last defense,” said Barnett.
Which means children no matter what, should always be supervised near water but if parents just want that last line of defense, ISR can give them that.
“A moment's inattention shouldn't cost a child his life,” said Ewing.