Keep Kids Safe Around Water at Summer Parties
It’s summertime in the United States once again and, sadly, with it comes an increased risk of accidental drowning. The Center for Disease Control estimates that ten people die every day due to unintentional drowning, and drowning is the second-leading cause of death for children ages one to 14. In Arizona, California and Florida, drowning is the number one cause of death in children under five.
Heartbreaking news stories in recent days of Nigerian hip-hop artist D’banj losing his 13-month-old son to accidental drowning and Olympic skier Bode Miller’s 19-month-old daughter drowning at a pool party are stark reminders to parents everywhere to be extra vigilant this summer season.
“Drowning is an epidemic,” says Marlene, “and we have the cure.”
Turn, Kick, Reach
The world’s fastest learn-to-swim program, “Turn, Kick, Reach” is a method of water survival Marlene developed more than 40 years ago. The program lasts five consecutive days and teaches children what they need to know to save themselves if they happen to fall into water. It also teaches parents the proper way to practice with their child so the child will feel comfortable in the water with them.
In fact, Baby Otter Swim School just taught all of former Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton’s grandchildren the “Turn, Kick, Reach” approach.
Celebrity mom Gwyneth Paltrow understands the importance of drowning prevention. Her daughter is a graduate of the one-of-a-kind water survival instruction program, “Turn, Kick, Reach.”
“Our friends and family watch flabbergasted as they watch this little two-year-old swimming like a little fish,” says Paltrow. “The best part is I know that if she ever fell into a pool, she would know exactly how to save her life. How can you ever thank someone for teaching your child that skill? It is impossible.”
The school has also had wonderful success teaching water survival skills to children with autism. Layla Crehan’s mother was told she would never swim before she came to Baby Otter Swim School. Eight years later, she is now a gold and silver medalist in the Florida Special Olympics.
Baby Otter Swim School’s mission is to dramatically change the drowning statistics in the United States and the rest of the world through its extraordinary swim program and educational/safety products. The school’s goals are simple and revolve around preventing drowning accidents:
1. Train every child and adult in the specialized water survival program of “Turn, Kick, Reach.”
2. Educate the public on the importance of drowning prevention and the steps to take to prevent such tragedies. This is accomplished through seminars, training materials, educational DVDs, and CPR classes.
3. Provide extensive training to others via the school’s master trainers. Baby Otter Swim School travels the country to expand its “Turn, Kick, Reach” program by training instructors on how to teach this survival skill.
4. Provide access to water survival and swimming lessons to people with special needs. This enables these children to be capable of saving themselves if they fall into water and also provides empowering socialization skills.
5. Offer continuing education for all of its instructors throughout the country on new techniques in drowning prevention, in addition to continual water training.
6. Develop educational and safety products, such as informative DVDs, books, and toys.
For more information, visit www.BabyOtter.com.
