Lifesaving Society pilots new swim survival program

by MODE, ignore | June 28, 2012 12:44 pm

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The Life Saving Society has announced a new swim training program, called Swim to Survive+, which will teach adolescents basic skills to survive an unexpected fall into deep water.

The program presents more realistic situations for children and builds on the skills taught in the organization’s original Swim to Survive program. The plus symbol means students are taught to roll, tread and swim with clothes on.

“Adolescents are more likely to be enjoying water-related activities with a group of friends and without adult supervision,” says Barbara Byers, the Lifesaving Society’s public education director. “By targeting kids at this age, we hope to equip them with the skills and judgment they need to keep themselves and their friends safe.”

In addition to the more rigorous fitness component of performing the roll, tread and swim techniques while wearing clothes, the new program also requires students to complete a fitness swim to help build stamina. Participants are trained to swim four intervals of 10 to 15 m (33 to 49 ft) each on their front or back, with 15 to 30 second rests and a pulse check at each interval.

Swim to Survive+ also teaches basic skills on how to assist someone who has fallen into deep water. Students are instructed to remain on the deck, call for help (e.g. 911 or assistance from an adult), talk loudly and encourage the person to kick to safety. Students are also taught to throw a buoyant aid and, lastly, reach techniques, using an aid (e.g. pool noodle or lifejacket) should further assistance be required.

Thanks to financial assistance from the Stephanie Gaetz Keepsafe Foundation, founding sponsor of the Swim to Survive program, the Lifesaving Society was able to develop and pilot the new Swim to Survive+ program in which 1,000 Ontario children have already participated.

The Lifesaving Society is prepared to implement the program and is currently looking for a new partner to assist with operational funding. For more information, visit www.lifesavingsociety.com[2].

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/lifesaving-society-pilots-new-swim-survival-program/

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