by Dr. Jennifer Brannon

When you think of water safety, you should automatically think of a fully fenced pool and adult supervision during pool times. But did you know that 69% of toddler drownings happen during non-swim times? In fact, toddlers are at the highest risk of drowning.

If you live near water (pool, pond, lake, etc.) and have a child between 6 months and 6 years old, you should consider finding a certified ISR instructor near you.  Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) Self-Rescue® Skills can be taught to children of these ages in about 4-6 weeks.

Infants from 6-12 months of age will learn how to roll on their backs to float, rest, and breathe. Children that are between 1-6 years of age will learn to swim until they need air, rotate to their back to float, and roll back over to keep swimming until they reach the edge of the water and safety. 

Teachers frequently have children come for 10-minute lessons each day, five days per week.  The lessons are short, but with repetition over 4-6 weeks, your child should learn what to do to survive if they fall into a body of water, even fully clothed.

For more information and to find a certified ISR instructor near you, check out infantswim.com

(Remember: even if your infant or child has taken swimming lessons, they should never be left unsupervised around any amount of water, indoors or outdoors. Drowning can happen in as little as 1 inch of water. Be vigilant any time you are near any water, and if your child goes missing, always check the water first!)