News Summary
As summer approaches, Beaufort County is intensifying efforts to promote swimming safety, particularly for children. Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death among children aged 1 to 14 in South Carolina. With alarming statistics urging swim education, Beaufort County offers various swim lessons for both children and adults, stressing the critical need for supervision and proper instructor certification amidst a tragic recent incident involving a young child. Community awareness and continued education about swimming safety are emphasized as summer approaches.
Beaufort County is taking urgent steps to promote swimming safety as summer approaches, amid increasing concerns about drowning risks for children. Drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 in South Carolina, according to the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control. With this alarming statistic, the necessity for swim education becomes increasingly evident.
Swimming lessons are crucial not only for children but also for adults, offering essential skills that can save lives. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children begin swim lessons as early as 1 year old to minimize the risk of drowning. However, parents are advised to assess their child’s emotional maturity, physical health, developmental abilities, and comfort in water before enrolling them in swim classes.
Typically, by age 4, many children are ready for beginner swimming lessons where they learn fundamental skills such as floating, treading water, and locating an exit point. By the time they reach ages 5 or 6, most children can grasp basic freestyle stroke techniques. While being enrolled in swim lessons or developing proficient swimming skills significantly lowers the risk of drowning, adult supervision remains critical during any water activities.
Instructors for swim lessons must hold proper certification from recognized organizations, such as the American Red Cross. There are two types of qualified swim instructors: Basic Swim Instructors, who teach fundamental courses and private lessons primarily for children, and Water Safety Instructors, who are authorized to teach all levels of swimming, including adult courses.
Beaufort County offers various year-round swim lessons at multiple locations. The Beaufort County Parks & Recreation department provides lessons for children ages 3 to 17, with registration for June sessions due by May 26. For group swim lessons, the cost is $45 for eight sessions for ages 3-5 and 6-13. Additionally, private lessons for ages 14-17 are currently on a waitlist and priced at $60.
The Beaufort-Jasper YMCA also offers swim programs ranging from ages 6 months to adults, with costs for members at $60 and non-members at $90. Financial assistance options are available through the YMCA for those needing help affording swimming programs. Similarly, the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center provides swim classes for ages 6 months to 15 years with June registration due by May 30. Prices range from $75 for Water Babies & Preschool lessons to $150 for Levels 1-4, with Level 5 costing $95. Scholarships for swim programs are additionally offered at this location.
Adults can also participate in swim lessons available at Beaufort County Parks & Recreation for those aged 18 and older, though private adult lessons at the Hilton Head Island Recreation Center currently feature a waitlist.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reinforces that drowning remains a leading cause of death among children ages 1 to 4, emphasizing the importance of swimming skills across all ages. The reasons for learning to swim include improving personal safety, overcoming fear of water, health benefits, and providing lifelong enjoyment.
The urgency of promoting swimming safety in Beaufort County comes on the heels of a tragic incident where a 20-month-old child lost their life after falling into a swimming pool. The incident occurred on November 1 and resulted in a call to first responders regarding an unresponsive child. Despite the mother’s and first responders’ efforts to perform CPR, the child was pronounced dead at ECU Health Beaufort. The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is undertaking an investigation, which is standard procedure for child fatalities. Authorities have reported that all evidence indicates the child’s death was a tragic accident, following responses from multiple agencies, including the NC Highway Patrol and local fire departments.
As summer days approach, the emphasis on swimming safety and lessons is more critical than ever, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and education in Beaufort County.
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Additional Resources
- Island Packet
- Wikipedia: Drowning
- WITN
- Google Search: Beaufort County swimming safety
- Washington Daily News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: swimming lessons
- Your Island News
- Google News: swimming lessons South Carolina
