Water Safety

Now that the holidays are over, spring and summer vacations are rapid approaching. Fun in the water will be part of gatherings and vacations nationwide, the American Red Cross reminds families to practice water safety to ensure everyone stays healthy and safe in and around the water.

“Summer is a great time for children and parents to enjoy outdoor activities especially swimming whether at the pool, beach or lake,” said Connie Harvey, American Red Cross national health and safety expert. “But accidents can happen if we take a vacation from safety. The good news is that many water tragedies can be prevented, so both parents and children, need to remember some basic rules of water safety.”

The Red Cross urges families to remember the following safety tips when engaging in activities in or around the water:

Learn to swim and swim well. The best thing anyone can do to stay safe in and around the water is to learn to swim well. Everyone, including adults should be supervised. Adults should practice “reach supervision” or be within arm’s length of a child in case an emergency occurs.
Learn Red Cross CPR. All caregivers, including grandparents, older siblings and babysitters should know this lifesaving skill.
Outfit everyone with the proper gear. Kids - and even adults - who are not strong swimmers or who appear to rely on inflatable toys for safety should use U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs) whenever they are in or around the water. Everyone, including strong swimmers, should use a Coast Guard approved PFD when boating. “Everyone should have the appropriate PFD for their weight and size. This information is printed right on the label as part of the Coast Guard stamp. “This lifesaving lightweight plastic equipment when used properly, can help save lives,” points out Harvey .
Always keep basic lifesaving equipment by the residential pool and know how to use it. A first aid kit, cordless phone, phone list with emergency contact information, reaching pole and ring buoy with a line attached are recommended. “Cordless phones allow you to make that call to 911 if necessary plus you aren’t called away for a ringing phone. First aid kits contain plastic face shields, which can help prevent disease transmission. Plastic ring buoys are easy to maneuver so that even a child can use one if the need arises to help save a life,” says Harvey . “These items coupled with a pool emergency action plan help everyone breathe a little easier.”
Pack a “safety” bag for a day at the beach or lake. “Water-proof sunscreen, SPF 15 or higher, water shoes to keep feet safe from the heat and objects on land and in the water and plenty of water are must haves,” says Harvey. And all containers should be plastic to prevent injuries from breaking glass. The properly packed safety bag will help ensure that everyone comes home safe and sound.”

Longfellow's WHALE Tales

Longfellow's WHALE Tales Includes Nine Basic Lessons.

Swim with a buddy in a supervised area.
Be cool, follow the rule—the reasons behind water safety rules.
Look before you leap—choose safe places to swim and dive.
Think so you don't sink—what to do when things go wrong.
Reach or throw, don't go—safe ways to rescue a swimmer in trouble.
Don’t just pack it, wear your jacket—the importance of wearing a life jacket.
Too much sun is no fun --- knowing when to go inside and proper use of sunscreen.

In your house and in your yard, watch for water, be on guard --- always being able to point out dangerous situations

Wave, tide or ride, follow the guide --- guidelines for going to a water park.

Swim Lessons (Learn to Swim)

(Swim Lesson Level Descriptions are found at the bottom of the page in .pdf format)
(NOTE: The following agencies/persons are authorized to teach the Learn-To-Swim Program according to the policies and procedures set by the American Red Cross. Questions specific to times and dates should be directed to that agency/person. Other concerns or questions may be directed to MeldeC@CBTRedCross.org or (361) 887-9991, extension 23)

YMCA
417 S Upper Broadway St, Corpus Christi, TX
To register, call: (361) 882-1741

YWCA
4601 Corona Dr, Corpus Christi, TX
To register, call: (361) 857-5661

Texas A & M University
6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5713, Corpus Christi, TX
To register, call: (361) 825-2364

Corpus Christi Natatorium
3202 Cabiness Parkway
Corpus Christi, TX 78415
To register, call: (361) 878-2337 or (361) 826-3158

Collier Pool
3801 Harris Drive, Corpus Christi, TX
To register, call: (361) 852-0242

Aransas Pass Aquatic Center
400 E. Johnson, Aransas Pass, TX 78336
361-758-7770

Corpus Christi Athletic Club
2101 Airline (Airline At Holly)
Corpus Christi, TX
To register, call: (361) 992-7100, Ext. 245

Guardstart Program

Guard Start Camp
Contact Melissa Lockwood, 361-826-1749
To register - go to: http://www.cctexas.com/?fuseaction=main.view&page=2995