Why Everyone Should Learn How to Swim
Learning to swim is good for our health, and to keep joints safe. The Royal Life Saving Society report that around 400 people drown each year in the UK, and most of the these accidents could be prevented with basic swimming skills, and water safety awareness.
Some of their tips include:
- Only use inflatable devices in pools (not open waters)
- Swim where there are lifeguards
- Don’t go near ice in winter, and keep dogs on leads.
If caught in a rip current, wade (don’t swim) parallel to the shore, raise hand and shout for help. A tow float (and bright swim hat) helps.
Read more safety tips on wild swimming. And how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.
Know Your Beach Flags
Beach flags confusingly are different worldwide. But in the UK:
- Red flags mean ‘do not go in the water’.
- Red (top) and yellow (bottom) means ‘only swim in the lifeguarded area, between the flags’.
- Orange wind socks (show the direction of the wind)
- Black and white checks (surfing area – swimmers keep away)
Where to Find Swimming Lessons in England
- It’s the law for all schools to offer swimming lessons to young children, so they can swim a certain distance (usually 25m).
- If learning to swim elsewhere, look for clean well-maintained pools with clear safety signs and emergency gear, staffed by qualified lifeguards.
- Good pools also carry out regular water checks, to keep all swimmers safe. Look for teachers with recognised qualifications (like Swim England) that run lessons in age-appropriate groups.
Dealing with Fear of Water
Naturally, babies are only frightened of loud noises and falling. So everything else (including water) is usually a learned behaviour – either from someone else, or due to a previous bad experience. Did you know that otters are scared of water as cubs, they have to be coaxed in the water?!
Having said that, water is not our natural element. So (like apes) we have a natural fear of drowning. If you are scared of water, spend time in the pool with others who are not. You could practice putting your face in the water (while holding the edge), or just try floating for a few seconds.
We Need More Affordable Public Pools
Years ago, most people could enjoy a one-off swim at a local public pool. But today usually you have to pay in advance for monthly memberships, and many people simply can’t afford it.
Enter your postcode to find local pools which are more affordable than swanky gyms, or approach out-of-season hotels as many offer memberships in quiet seasons (though the caveat is that there are no lifeguards).
Another idea is that some private schools have heeded government advice to let local state school children use pools (sometimes with lifeguards). To help reduce the number of children, who can’t swim.
Keeping Safe with Private Swimming Pools
For private pools, install secure fencing at least 4 feet tall (it’s best to cover pools, when not in use).
To keep small critters safe, FrogLog and Critter Skimmer are two nifty inventions – one to let fallen creatures climb out, the other to stop them falling into pool skimmers. Get both, as they do different things (each site suggests how many to order, depending on the size of your pool).
