SAN ANTONIO – So far this year, 29 children have drowned in Texas. As we head into summer swim season, safety experts say training and supervision are key to saving lives.
At the Braundera YMCA, a class of 3- and 4-year old children was practicing getting eyes wet and making a splash. To the kids, it was a lot of fun. To their parents, it was a chance for kids to learn skills that may just save their lives.
"They seem to have no fear at that age," said mother Casey Houghton. "So, if you can give them any skills, I think it's good for them to have the opportunity to help an adult who's trying to save them."
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Last year in Texas alone, 107 children drowned. That's an approximately 40 percent increase of each of the previous six years. Nearly half of those 107 deaths was connected to a swimming pool. Other drownings occurred at lakes, rivers, bathtubs and a bucket.
"We are actually number two behind Florida for our rates of drowning," said Dason Tucker, YMCA senior director of sports and aquatics.
Tucker says kids can learn early on how to hold their breath, put their faces underwater, float and practice water safety.
How young is too young for lessons?
According to the Centers for Disease Control, formal swim lessons decrease the risk of drowning for a child ages 1-4 by 88 percent.
While learning to blow bubbles and kick to the side are invaluable skills, Tucker says supervision is paramount.
READ MORE: Man hospitalized after nearly drowning while playing underwater game
"We know it can take a little as 10 seconds for a child to slip beneath the surface of a pool, and they're not going to say anything. Drowning is silent," Tucker said.
It is also frequently preventable. He implores parents to keep their minds and eyes on the water.
"Ten seconds," he said. "In that time I can be looking down at by phone replying to a text message, and that child could be underwater."
Click here to find swim lessons.
The San Antonio Parks Foundation is again offering free lessons as long as space is available. For questions, contact the Natatorium at 210-207-3299.
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