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Testimonial
"We love ProvoSwim! My girls are both on their high school swim team, and they learned a lot of techniques that are helping them compete! They also helped my son improve a lot and get over a lot of his water fears. I was amazed. Thanks so much!"
- Kris Griff
Don’t let a swim disaster ruin your summer fun, be prepared
PROVO, UT March 16, 2011 - Although summer vacation is still months away, many families are already making plans and preparing to hit the beach or spend time at local pools. The line outside of local companies like Seven Peaks already extends out the door.
Unfortunately, not everyone takes the time to learn how to properly swim before hitting the deck. In fact, the Utah Safety Council reports that, “Despite a 40 percent decline since 1987, drowning is still the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death to children ages 1 to 9, taking more than 900 childrens' lives each year.”
Focusing on infant swimming, Pam Hartley started ChildSafe Swimming 14 years ago. Her home based swim business has served countless families from all over Utah County. “Using a swim-float-swim model, infants and young children adapt quite naturally to water and often surprise parents with their skills. Early lessons help children be wise around water. The ‘fun’ begins after they know where safety is found,” commented Pam.
Preparing for the next chapter of her life, Teacher Pam has turned the reigns over to Provo Swim Academy. Erina Williams, founder and head coach at Provo Swim Academy, spent last summer teaching and learning beside Pam. Now certified in Pam’s ChildSafe Swimming technique, residents of Utah County can send their children and infants to Erina and her team to learn to safely enjoy the water.
Erina remarked, “We have a focus on providing swimming lessons for all ages and stages of life. For example, one of our instructors is a former NCAA record holder who helps competitive swimmers. Other coaches are skilled in working with individuals with disabilities as well as teaching beginners to advanced swimmers. This year, we are adding infant swimming to our services.”
Tapping Provo Swim’s knowledge, here are several techniques that parents should be aware of when teaching young children to swim.
- First, floaties and life vests stunt a child’s ability to learn to swim. Rather, children should become comfortable on the steps of a pool or in shallow water first and then leave that area under the supervision of an adult.
- Second, children should never be in a vertical position in the water - they’ll sink. Instead, children should be encouraged to float on their backs or while on their stomachs, paddle with their arms and kick.
- And last, using dive rings or sticks teaches children how to hold their breath and maneuver underwater.
Continued Erina, “The team at Provo Swim Academy wants to help make sure that everyone not only has a good time this summer but is safe while in the water.” For information about swim lessons, parents can visit ProvoSwimAcademy.com.
About Provo Swim Academy
Serving residents of Utah County, Provo Swim Academy offers group, infant, and private swimming lessons for the aspiring athlete to the experienced swimmer. Visit www.ProvoSwimAcademy.com for more information.
