Layers of Protection: Barriers

Navigating Neva

Summer is around. With lockdown measures almost gone and swimming pools open again, you just cannot wait to jump into water. Swimming is a great choice not just for your physical health but also for your mental health. Not to mention, the cool fresh waters that are so soothing on your skin and body, making the hot summer days so exciting. But the important question: Are you playing it safe? Are you safe from drowning? Is your child safe from drowning? You know, it takes less than two inches of water to drown. Drowning can occur in less than 60 seconds. Drowning is silent. You see, I am an aquatic professional with 20 plus years of experience in my industry. But that did not keep me safe. I had a near-drowning experience myself. I had to jump into the pool to save my own son. Everyone interested in playing in water needs to understand that there are basic certain rules one needs to understand to keep themselves from drowning. Just because you’re an adult and know how to swim, you’re not exempt from these rules. In the place where I live, we had a doctor who was swimming laps in the ocean, in open water and he drowned. We also had a navy seal practicing at our local pool, and he drowned. So, no one is safe. Everyone needs to understand the basic rules. In this episode, I’ve talked about certain water safety rules you need follow when you swim. Listen up, I’ve also talked about layers of protection you should have in place if you have a water pool nearby. I also gave some assignments that can help drill down some of these points deep into your mind. I want you to have a happy and healthy summer -- a zero drowning summer. I want you and your kids to swim hard but play safe.