Swimming Pools
Swimming Pools
Swimming pools should be a source of family fun and relaxation. Yet, in the U.S., drownings of children aged 1-4 most often occur in home swimming pools and Black children ages 5-19 drown in swimming pools at a rate more than five times that of white children. These drownings are preventable. Make sure you know what they are so you can ensure that your pool is a source of joy, not tragedy.
Action You Can Take:
Enroll your child in swim classes. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting swim lessons as young as 1 year old. In your community, the Park District, YMCA, and Boys and Girls Clubs are trusted sources of swim lessons. As a service to you, we have compiled a list of swim classes in Chicago, click here. Stay tuned as we add more locations.
Learn CPR. Click here to find an American Red Cross CPR class in your community.
Download this card to remind you about water safety.
Always swim near a lifeguard. Your chance of drowning is reduced to 1 in 18 million.
Weak swimmers should wear a lifejacket.
Learn More:
Protecting very young children
American Academy of Pediatrics information on Drowning Prevention
Minorities drown at much higher rates - watch this video to learn more.
The Water Safety Task Force Metro Chicago does not endorse or guarantee the quality of any swim classes and does not accept any liability related to poor instruction, injury or death which may occur from any of the resources listed on these pages.