The US Dept of Health and Human Services recently reported that - Swimming Lessons Do Not Increase Drowning Risk in Young Children. Click here for the complete story.
With an average of 300 sunny days per year in the Phoenix Metro area, swimming is an activity enjoyed by all. That's why children should "learn" how to swim at the appropriate age, so they can enjoy the pool safely under the supervision of their parents.
A good swimming program will teach children love for the water, in the context of important safety rules. It's also important to emphasize that parents should supervise a child who has learned to swim closely, even though they may appear independent in the water.
Look for a facility that is clean, well-staffed, and emphasizes other layers of protection (such as supervision) as part of a complete water safety plan. No swimming instructor should ever make parents feels that their children are “drown-proof.”
This list is intended to provide a broad range of options for swimming lessons. Most cities have swimming lessons available through local Parks and Recreation programs, as do many local gyms with pools.
For information on where you can obtain swimming lessons for your children, click here.
CPR Classes
For adults, "learning" CPR can make the difference between life and death. CPR is especially critical in cases of child drowning emergencies, because immediate restoration of oxygen to the child's brain is critical. Many believe that the process of learning or refreshing CPR also renews the importance of other water safety efforts for parents, such as supervision and fencing.
Be sure to post CPR guidelines near your pool, in case of an emergency.
CPR skills should be refreshed yearly, with certifications renewed every two years. Keeping up with new guidelines and medical findings can be confusing, but an annual refresher helps keep all the facts clear.
For information on where you can obtain CPR classes, click here.
Swimming Lesson Locations
This list is provided as a courtesy only. The DPCA does not recommend or endorse any of the organizations listed below, and considers swim lessons one of many factors in a comprehensive water safety plan.
Aqua Tots Swim Schools www.aqua-tots.com
Aspire Kids Sports Centers aspirekidsports.com/programs/swimming
Hubbard Family Swim School www.hubbardswim.com
Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) www.infantswim.com
SwimKids USA www.swimkidsusa.us
Valley of the Sun YMCA www.valleyymca.org
City Aquatics & Clubs
Phoenix Aquatics Home Phoenix Aquatics Home page
Scottsdale Aquatics Home Scottsdale Aquatics Home page
Scottsdale Aquatic Club Scottsdale Aquatic Club
Glendale Aquatics Program Glendale Aquatics Program
Peoria Aquatics Home Peoria Aquatics Home page
Gilbert Aquatics Home Gilbert Aquatics Home page
Tempe Swim Pools Home Tempe Swim Pools Home page
Mesa Aquatics Home Mesa Aquatics Home
CPR Classes
This list is intended to provide a broad range of options for CPR instruction. Remember to renew CPR skills regularly, and post CPR instructions near your swimming pool area.
Many local fire departments offer CPR classes to the public. Additional resources are listed below:
American Heart Association www.americanheart.org
Arizona Chapter, National Safety Council www.acnsc.org
Arizona Red Cross www.arizonaredcross.org
IAFF Local 493 - Firefighter's Union www.phxff.org/cprandfirstaid
(This is just a referral to a phone number but does list a CPR contact)
Mesa Fire Department www.mesaaz.gov/CPR Certification
