Olympic gold medalist Cullen Jones has a unique perspective on the importance of learning how to swim. It’s not just a fun hobby, it’s a life skill that saved his life. As a child, he almost drowned at a waterpark, an experience that left him traumatized and hesitant around water. But with the help of dedicated teachers, he eventually learned to swim and went on to become one of the greatest swimmers of all time. Jones believes his story is a powerful reminder to parents about the importance of ensuring their children have the necessary skills to be safe in and around water.

The importance of swim lessons: A personal story

Cullen Jones, who holds a world record in swimming and won a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics, was nearly a victim of accidental drowning as a young child. At only 5 years old, Jones went down a water slide at a waterpark with his parents and got stuck underwater. “It’s usually silent, especially when it comes to young people. They go underwater, and then, unfortunately, you never hear from them again,” Jones said about his experience. He was fortunate to be rescued by a lifeguard but remained deeply traumatized. It took five different teachers before he felt comfortable enough to put his face underwater and begin to swim. This harrowing experience taught him a profound lesson about the importance of teaching children to swim: it is a vital life skill that should be prioritized, just as much as reading or writing.

Why learn to swim?

According to Jones, “If there is one parent in the family that knows how to swim, there’s an 88% chance that that child will learn to swim. And not to mention, you give that child an 88% more of a chance to be safer around the water.” It is not just about recreation. Learning to swim can empower children with the skills to navigate the water confidently and safely, giving them the tools to react to potential dangers and increasing their chance of survival in an emergency.

Who should learn to swim?

It’s never too late to learn. It’s essential to learn to swim as early as possible, but the skill is beneficial for everyone, regardless of age. Jones urges everyone to “go be safer around the water,” no matter how old you are. Swimming offers numerous physical and mental benefits and can be enjoyed throughout your life.

Addressing the growing problem of drowning accidents

Drowning is a serious and often preventable public health problem. The CDC reports that drowning claims about 4,000 lives every year in the U.S. This tragedy is exacerbated by a recent nationwide surge in accidental drowning deaths linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, with disproportionately higher rates among Black Americans. Drowning is also the leading cause of death for children between 1 and 4 years old, and the second leading cause of unintentional death for children in the 5 to 14 age group.

Jones believes that learning to swim, especially during early childhood, is crucial in addressing this public health issue and is essential to keeping children safe in and around water.

Safety measures beyond swim lessons:

Although Jones is a strong advocate for swim lessons, he emphasizes that there are other crucial steps parents can take to ensure their children’s safety.

Maintaining pool water quality

Water that looks clean may not always be safe. Proper pool sanitation is vital, and Jones stresses the importance of making sure that your pool water is safe and healthy. “Take it from someone who spends a lot of time in water, that is not the case.” It is not enough to simply look at the color. Consistent testing, proper chemical levels, and regular maintenance are all crucial to keep the pool safe for swimmers.

Secure and supervise

It is vital to make sure that children are supervised whenever they are in the water and are not left unsupervised. This can be done by installing and using barriers such as fences or gates to deter unsupervised access. “With so many distractions today, you want to make sure that you’re securing the area if you have a pool, especially at home,” Jones said. Children often enter the pool unexpectedly, and having security measures in place, such as alarms and safety gates, can be critical in preventing a potential tragedy.

Use floatation devices

While swim lessons teach crucial skills, accidents can still happen. The American Red Coast recommends the use of Coast Guard-approved floatation devices for all children, regardless of their swimming abilities. “If I’m not looking at my son for one moment, I’ve got my gates up, and my alarm,” Jones explained about the safety measures he uses to keep his son safe. These devices offer a vital safety backup and can be a crucial line of defense in an emergency.

Taking action:

Recognizing the challenges families face in affording swimming lessons, Leslie’s teamed up with the Boys and Girls Club and the Red Cross to help make swimming lessons more accessible. These organizations work to raise funds that go towards providing free or affordable swim lessons for children who need them most. The initiative is crucial in ensuring that every child, regardless of their family’s economic circumstances, has access to this critical life skill.

Take away points:

• Learning to swim is an essential life skill for all individuals, regardless of their age.
• Drowning is a preventable public health concern.
• Families should invest in formal swim lessons for children and implement proper safety precautions around water.
• Encourage all individuals to learn to swim, even if they have not previously done so.
• Keep pool water safe and healthy. Regularly check the water’s clarity, chemical levels, and use proper sanitation techniques.
• Supervise children diligently, use safety measures like fences and alarms, and provide them with life jackets and flotation devices.
• Support organizations such as Leslie’s, the Boys and Girls Club, and the Red Cross who offer affordable or free swimming lessons.