Water Safety Tips From A Mission Viejo Swim Coach

With warmer weather just around the corner, it is important to stay safe when heading into the water. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), there are ten accidental deaths due to drowning every day. There are dozens of great websites containing information about water safety and precautions to take; however, I believe it would be additionally beneficial to include personal experiences to help raise awareness of certain circumstances. Here are some five things to consider while splashing around in the water.

1. Never swim alone. There are many factors to consider while playing or swimming in the water. Heat exhaustion, physical fatigue, muscle cramps, lack of oxygen, panic and other factors may cause trouble for swimmers. Make sure that a lifeguard is on duty, or to use the buddy system.

Cramps are very common in swimming as you are using a different set of muscles in water than used on land. After 21 years of competitive swimming and 11 years of coaching, I am fortunate enough to have never encountered an accident while in the pool. The one time I did help prevent a situation was in the ocean when my friend got a cramp in the ocean and panicked. I instructed her to float on her back while I stabilized her head and waited for the cramp to settle.

2. Take a CPR class. There are not many skills one can learn that are as vital as Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation- even for those who don’t swim. For those who do plan to be around water frequently, CPR could make all the difference as it takes time for emergency services to respond. Check out the Red Cross website for local CPR, First Aid and AED classes.

Fortunately I have not used CPR over the course of my coaching career, but one important skill I learned in the CPR course was the Heimlich Maneuver. One of my athletes was choking on a protein bar after a game and I had to use a hand-over-hand technique; rotating my wrists/thumb bone above her belly button in an inward and upward motion. This is something that could happen anywhere and, like me, help you save a life.

3. Watch where you dive. Most pools have the depth in feet marked on the side. Make sure to take note of any warnings or no diving signs. At the beach, take caution when diving under waves as the depth is not marked and may be shallower than expected.

In addition to shallow water, make sure to check your surroundings. I have seen swimmers jump on each other multiple times and even head-on collisions which resulted in goose-eggs and headaches. In other instances, these accidents result in serious head, neck and spinal injuries. Parents, watch your children!

4. Don’t push it. There is a big difference between being physically strong, and being skilled in swimming. If you examine most swimmers bodies, they tend to be very lean. Even if you are in great physical condition, if you are not a skilled swimmer, especially in open bodies of water such as the ocean or lakes, don’t go too far from the shore. Additionally, watch out for strong currents and big waves. In a pool, don’t get too far away from the shallow end for long amounts of time. Holding your breath and swimming underwater can be a great tool for training, but listen to your body and know when to stop.

It is common for beginners to hold their breath while swimming and then breathe out and in when they come up for air. Know your limit! Lack of oxygen to the brain can result in serious injury and is not worth the risk. Relax while you swim. Slowly breathe out small bubbles through your mouth while your face is down, and take a full deep breath when you come up for air. Remember: let out your air under water, and breathe in above water.

5. Take formal swim lessons.  

South Orange County is home to some of the greatest swim programs in the world. The clubs in the area are training all levels- from mommy & me all the way to Olympic athletes. It’s never too late to learn how to swim. The CDC states that taking swim lessons at a young age can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%. A simple Internet search will show you multiple clubs in the area.

Mission Viejo is home to prestigious teams such as the Nadadores who offer lessons to all ages- even adults. Although it’s a bit more expensive than some teams in the area, you will get what you pay for and won’t be disappointed. If you are on a budget or looking for a more recreational option, look for swim lessons at the Mission Viejo Family YMCA, or Power Aquatics- a new swim club running out of Mission Viejo High School.