THE PROBLEM WITH PUDDLEJUMPERS
August 12, 2023
UP-FACES®
September 27, 2023
Teenagers are an often-overlooked, but no less important, segment of the learning-to-swim population. As parents, we tend to focus on our small children learning to swim as a safety-based activity to participate in as babies, toddlers, and preschoolers. But there is another age group where drowning rates are peaking, and that’s the teenage years.
The following data from the CDC is telling: older children are at risk of drowning nearly as much as the younger ones. It’s only the setting that changes.
Percentage of unintentional drowning deaths among children aged 0–17, by age group and place of drowning: United States
Peer pressure, viral challenges, easier access to unsupervised water, and a still developing prefrontal cortex combined with limited (or no) swim skill is a dangerous combination. The good news is that the same concept of layers of protection we talk about for our small kids can apply to our bigger kids.
Swimming Lessons for All Ages
Regular, year-round swim lessons keep skills fresh until they are mastered. According to Stop Drowning Now, kids with parents/guardians who can’t swim are also unlikely to have proficient swim skills. In addition to our award-winning lessons for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, LPB offers classes for older beginners (children ages 6-10), teens (10-18), and adults (18+).
Know Your Limits and Never Swim Alone
No one should ever swim alone and being mindful of one’s true ability when it comes to being in the water is hugely important. Have honest conversations with your teenagers about their swimming ability. Empower them to have the confidence to stay out of the water when the conditions are suitable to their skill level.
Safe Swim Areas
Swimming in unattended, natural areas can be exciting, but also dangerous. Remind your teens to check water temperature, depth, and current before entering any natural body of water. The CDC states that more than half of fatal and nonfatal* drownings for people ages 15 and older occur in natural waters like lakes, rivers, and oceans.
Life Jackets in Moving Water
A properly sized, coast-guard-approved life jacket will keep a person afloat in the event of a capsized boat or fall in/near moving water. Encouraging teens to properly wear life jackets (this means buckling them!), especially if they are not strong swimmers, will save their life.
Alcohol Use
According to the CDC, alcohol use is involved in nearly 70% of deaths associated with water recreation for teens and adults. Alcohol affects our balance, coordination, and judgment. Remind your teens that alcohol and swimming/boating activities are not a safe combination.
From the CDC: Fatal vs. Non-Fatal Drownings?
Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid. Drowning is not always fatal. Fatal drowning happens when the drowning results in death. Nonfatal drowning happens when a person survives a drowning incident. Nonfatal drowning has a range of outcomes, from no injuries to very serious injuries such as brain damage or permanent disability.
Teen Classes at La Petite Baleen
Teen swimming lessons are available at all four of our San Francisco Bay Area swim schools. The age group for our teen classes is 11 – 17 years old. Swimmers 18 years and over may join one of our adult classes. Learn about our class levels, or register for a class. If you have questions, contact our Booking Department at (866) 221-7048.
