GILBERT, Ariz. — It's a skill every kid should know. Especially living in Arizona.
Swimming lessons were free in Gilbert at Goldfish Swim School Thursday as part of a national event where thousands participated in what's being called the "World's largest swim lesson."
The goal is to raise awareness about the dangers of water around kids and the importance of knowing this life-saving skill.
“Swim lessons decrease the risks of drowning by up to 88 percent,” said General Manager of Goldfish Swim School and water safety expert Lindy Lunkenheimer.
About 200 kids of all ages hopped in the water with their instructors to learn the basics during a 30-minute lesson.
While you may not have a pool in your backyard, chances are you know someone who does, which is one of the reasons why the Salgat family enrolled their 5-year-old daughter.
“We were just super concerned and wanted to make sure we were getting her in and the lessons she needs,” Erin Salgat said.
Another concern the family shared is the rising number of drowning deaths happening in the Valley.
“We’ve seen on the news more drownings and that’s definitely what made me sign her back up,” Salgat said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, drownings are the number one cause of death for kids one to four years of age and the number has increased since 2019.
Lunkenheimer adds that Arizona drownings are double the national average.
Maricopa and Pinal counties have already seen more drownings this year than last, and summer just started. Children's Safety Zone reports that 13 kids from infants to 12 years old have lost their lives to drowning this year, which is higher than the total number reported in 2023.
This is why Lunkenheimer encourages parents to get their kids started with lessons as soon as possible. She added their classes even take kids as young as four months old.
"We want to make sure that parents are getting their kids into swim lessons so that they can go out to those pools and be safe and have fun," Lunkenheimer said.
Lunkenheimer also shared other tips for parents when it comes to kids and water:
- Swap Out Floaties & Puddle Jumpers for U.S. Coastguard-Approved Lifejackets
- Seek out Bright Colored Swimwear
- Enroll in high quality, regular swim lessons beginning at age one or earlier
- Designate a Water Guardian
- Ensure that there are layers of barriers to prevent kids from accessing pools or other bodies of water during non-swim times
Up to Speed
Catch up on the latest news and stories on the 12News YouTube channel. Subscribe today.