Every year in September drownings occur. Just today I was reading about a two year old in our community that drowned in his backyard pool. What made front page news was relegated to a one line blog post from the local radio station. How does thi snot shock a community? How does this not make front page news?
When I think of water safety education I always think beginning of Summer as I am sure most of us do. It is time for us to re-analyze and strategize for safety education ever day of our career. I am calling all of you to action. Make water safety a priority! Make it the most important part of your career.
Below I have listed some simple ways to promote water safety. I challenge you to not just promote it, but take ever opportunity you can to educate those below you, your peers, and all the levels above you. Make sure that you find ways to educate everyone you can. Aquatic Professionals do this all across the land and we need more people doing it.
- Hang a water safety poster for you and staff
- Show make a quick top ten water safety tips video to play in your facility lobby and on your website
- Join a pool operator group with an extensive water safety program
- List resources on your website
- Hand out water safety flier to everyone in your community
- Create a public education campaing where you visit schools or community groups to give talks and water safety demonstrations
- Have water safety topics prior to each swim lesson.
I am sure there are tons more so if you have them please drop them in the comments below.
-The Aquatic Professional
