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Basic Survival Swimming Skills

Basic Survival
Swimming Skills

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children aged 1-14, with those aged 1-4 being most at risk. The good news is that many of these drownings are preventable through essential water survival skills.

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Survival swimming teaches the critical techniques of floating and breathing for extended periods. In an emergency, these skills allow a swimmer in distress to breathe without difficulty, call for help if they cannot swim to safety, or rest until they can continue swimming.

Swimming

Five of the most crucial skills

Safe Entry and Exit Using the Wall – Swimmers sometimes fall or jump into the pool where there aren't ladders or steps to assist in getting out. To avoid panic and ensure safety, swimmers should learn how to enter and exit the water without depending on a ladder or stairs.

Float or Tread Water – One of the first skills any new swimmer should learn is floating. Floating is a low-effort way to stay above water for long periods, allowing a swimmer to rest before resuming swimming or calling for help.

Return to the Surface – It’s essential for swimmers to know how to enter deep water and make their way back to the surface safely.

Front to Back Roll – Every swimmer should practice rolling from their front to their back and floating independently. In case of fatigue or a fall into the water, knowing how to roll onto their back helps them rest and catch their breath.

Swim 25 Yards to Safety – Being able to swim 25 yards can make a critical difference in reaching safety. It enables a swimmer to get to the nearest wall or, in open water, to the shore, where they can either exit the water or rest and call for help.

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