When Sean and Eric were about 3 years old, we rented a house in Hilton Head, SC with my parents, aunt and uncle, niece and a family friend. We were really excited because the house had a pool. But, when I woke up in a cold sweat thinking about having two young, curious boys who could not yet swim, at a house with a pool, I knew I needed to make sure they’d be safe. 

I found a house with a fence completely around the pool – even on the house side. So, that when you left the back door of the home, you had to unlatch the fence door before entering the pool area. Perfect, I thought to myself. We just have to remember to keep the fence latched – Always. 

One morning, I asked my family to keep an eye on the boys while I went out for a walk. When I returned, Eric was missing. I immediately went to the backyard and there he was, by himself, at the edge of the pool. Someone had forgotten to secure the gate and others forgot to keep an eye on my child. My heart jumped into my throat as I calmly walked over to see what he was up to.
 
 We were lucky, Eric is now a thriving 12-year-old boy.
 
This story could have ended very differently. Drowning is the leading cause of death for kids from 1 to 4 years of age, according to the Red Cross in its Drowning Prevention Facts article.  

Teach water safety to your kiddos as soon as possible, because as much as you try to protect them, you never know when they will be in a situation like we were on our vacation. And, if you haven’t yet learned to swim, start taking lessons this year so that you can help your kids with water safety, too. 

Adult swim lessons are available near you. Here are a few suggestions:

West Suburban YMCA
276 Church Street, Newton, MA
Learn more here. 
 
Tiburon Swim Academy
Rolling admission
249 Lexington Street, Waltham
Learn more here.

Youth swim lessons are available all winter long. And, it’s never too early to get them into the water. There are some programs that simply show babies how to orient themselves in the water so that they can breathe. While others begin teaching kiddos to become familiar with the water by blowing bubbles, splashing, and then windshield wiping the water away. 
 
Here are five options for lessons near Watertown, MA.

Watertown Boys & Girls Club
From age 3 and up - Registration is opens September 9 at 11AM!
25 Whites Ave. Watertown, MA
Learn more here. 

Waltham YMCA
Starts September 9, 2024
725 Lexington Street
Waltham, MA
Learn more here. 

Tiburon Swim Academy
Rolling Admission
249 Lexington Street, Waltham
Learn more here.

Oak Square YMCA
Current session starts September 9, Late Fall Session starts October 28 – December 22.
615 Washington Street,  Brighton, MA
Learn more here. 

Gold Fish Swim School (Free Trial)
20 Webster Place, Brookline, MA
Learn more here.