National Learn to Swim Day

Join Us for the 2nd Annual National Learn to Swim Day

Beach vacations, pool parties and barbeques - chances are, they're already scheduled on your summer calendar. But here's another date to circle in red: Saturday, May 18, 2013 is the second annual National Learn to Swim Day! And it's the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of teaching children to swim. With summer right around the corner, learning this invaluable life skill is even more essential-for fun as well as for safety. (Read our press release about this year's event.)

Swimways established National Learn to Swim Day in 2012 as a day dedicated to swimming education; providing swimming safety informtaion, tips and tools to caregivers with young children. Families can participate by signing up for swim lessons, speaking with local water safety experts, or committing to learn to swim this summer.

Awareness is essential to drowning prevention! Drowning continues to be the leading cause of injury death among children ages 1-4 in the United States*. To help educate families about drowning prevention, Swimways is pleased to partner with Mario Vittone, former Coast Guard Helicopter Rescue Swimmer, as part of its 2013 National Learn to Swim Day campaign. Read articles about water safety and teaching kids to swim by Mario on our blog.

Celebrate National Learn to Swim Day with these fun and educational activities:

• 1. Enroll your kids in swim lessons at a local YMCA, Boys & Girls Club or other local swim club.

• 2. Visit a community pool as a family - and remember to pack a picnic.

• 3. Lifeguards are unsung heroes. Take a few minutes to tell your local lifeguard how much you appreciate them.

• 4. Host a group swimming lesson at a local pool.

• 5. Check out smart pool safety tips in our Resources section.

• 6. Have a pool? Invite a few friends over for a synchronized swimming competition.

• 7. Encourage kids with downloadable rewards and swim progress charts.

• 8. Still too cold to swim outside? Grab a float and a swimsuit and practice some silly splashes in the bathtub.

• 9. Take a CPR or First Aid class.

• 10. Visit a local library and check out a book about famous Olympic swimmers.

• 11. Talk to your children about water safety.

• 12. Start your own Learn-to-Swim Celebration. Contact your local pool, waterpark or community center and help organize a fun event.

Download National Learn to Swim Day materials below and read our How to Host Your Own National Learn to Swim Day Event guide.

National Learn to Swim Day Host Guide (PDF)

National Learn to Swim Day Swim Certificate (PDF)

National Learn to Swim Day Invitation (PDF)

National Learn to Swim Day is timed with other events being held during National Water Safety Month (May) in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of teaching children to swim, and provide resources to parents for teaching their kids the important skill.

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*(CDC) Weekly 5/18/12 61 (19); 344-347