TEACH AMERICA TO SWIM
  • Programs
    • Learn To Swim
    • Lifeguard Training
    • WSI Training
    • Health & Safety Course
    • Become A Host Factility
  • Work With Us
  • FAQs/Contact
  • Blog

What does it mean to be water competent?

9/27/2021

1 Comment

 
According to the American Red Cross, to be water competent, one must know more than just how to swim. A water competent swimmer has water smarts, swimming skills, and the ability to help others while engaging in water activities in, on, or around any body of water.
Picture
WATER SMARTS
Someone who is water smart is a swimmer that understands the water, how it moves, and its hazards. A water smart swimmer knows the following water safety rules:
  • swim with a lifeguard on duty
  • always swim with a buddy​
  • wear a US Coast Guard Approved Lifejacket
  • understand the swimming environment and its hazards
  • knows how to call for help
SWIMMING SKILLS
The five basic water competency swimming skills all swimmers should be able to do in any body of water, such as pools, lakes, rivers, streams, and oceans are:
  1. Enter water that’s over your head, then return to the surface.
  2. Float or tread water for at least 1 minute.
  3. Turn over and turn around in the water.
  4. Swim at least 25 yards.
  5. Exit the water.
HELPING OTHERS
Someone who had the ability to help others understand the following guidelines of how to help someone in a water emergency.​
They know:
  • the signs of someone who is in the water and needs help or is drowning
  • a safe way to assist a person in a water emergency
  • CPR, AED, and First Aid
Watch the Water Competency Sequence
If you or your loved ones are unsure about any of these skills or safety topics, connect with one of our instructors today and we will be glad to assist in teaching you and your family how to stay safe in, on, and around the water.

Contact Us!
1 Comment

Did you know water safety starts at home?

9/20/2021

0 Comments

 
As a parent, you are your child's first teacher. Remember that your children learn what to do and what not to do by copying your behavior. When you are near water make sure to model safe water habits by:
  1. Wearing a lifejacket while boating
  2. Always drain standing of water around the house (ie: bathtub, water tables, buckets of water from a storm)
  3. Keep the toilet lid and/or door to the bathroom closed​
Looking for more water safety tips at home, check out our Free Water Safety Guide!
Water Safety At Home
0 Comments
    Picture

    Author

    Meet Sabrina Keller,
    Founder and CEO of The Aquatic Connection– a family of swim, lifeguard, and instructor education corporations. Sabrina believes in the importance of educating families, communities, and organizations about water safety. Pulling from her years of teaching, aquatic instructor training, mentoring, and motherhood experiences, Sabrina shares tips and tricks to teach your little one about water safety at home.

    Categories

    All
    Bath Safety
    Water Safety
    Winter Safety

    Archives

    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021

    View my profile on LinkedIn

we look forward to seeing you in the Water!


TAC PROGRAMS
​
The Aquatic Training Academy
​
Become An Elite Training Facility
​
TATS' Kids Swim School
​
WHERE TO FIND US
1-833-Swim-USA
​

WORK WITH US
​
Join Our Team!
​

Contact Us​!
​

American Red Cross Lifeguard Training
Swim Lessons in New England

PRIVACY POLICY
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Teach America To Swim provides water safety education to parents, communities, fellow instructors, and organizations with aquatic programming. This website and all of its contents are for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing on this website should be construed as a substitute for certified training. You are advised to seek in-person training with a certified American Red Cross Instructor.
  • Programs
    • Learn To Swim
    • Lifeguard Training
    • WSI Training
    • Health & Safety Course
    • Become A Host Factility
  • Work With Us
  • FAQs/Contact
  • Blog