Water is everywhere in the Lowcountry, and during the hot summer months, many area families flock to the ocean, pools, and other waterways. But while we are having fun in the sun, we have to prepare for the inherent risks of the water.
Parents, do you and your children have strong swimming skills? Drowning statistics speak loudly to the importance of learning to swim. Worldwide, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death of children under the age of five.
Charleston County recreation departments and the Lowcountry Chapter of the American Red Cross have joined forces with the Charleston County School District to help lower these statistics. We are spreading the word about the importance of learning to swim and about water safety. A comprehensive website providing current information on these topics will be made available on May 25, during National Beach Safety Week.
The new website, www.SwimSafeLowcountry.com, contains information on the following:
• Swim lessons with certified instructors
• CPR instruction
• Backyard water safety
• Skin and sun safety
• Swimming in lifeguarded areas
• Properly fitting PFDs
• The importance of supervising children
• Rip current education
• How to deal with ocean marine life
Charleston County recreation departments, the American Red Cross and other agencies are on a mission to provide adults and children information about accessible and affordable swim lessons and water safety instruction available in your community on a year-round basis.
