Swim Education Saves Lives
Endless™ Pools - Committed to Water Safety Every Day!
Water is all around us, and at Endless Pools, that's how we like it. From lakes to rivers, oceans to pools, water is the essential element that enhances our world. But along with the countless benefits comes responsibility, which is why water safety is so important.
If swimming, boating, and other water-based activities are part of your day-to-day life, you’re probably familiar with the basic principles of water safety. But, even if you live hours away from a major body of water, not understanding the potential hazards water poses or being unaware of how to respond in an emergency can put you and your family at risk.
WHY WATER SAFETY MATTERS
Based on CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control) statistics, each day in the U.S. an estimated 11 people die from unintentional drowning. Even more heartbreaking: Two of the 10 are children no older than 14 years old.
Drowning ranks as the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury and death in the country.
The CDC has also documented these sobering statistics:
More children ages 1–4 die from drowning than any other cause of death, and for children ages 5–14, drowning is the number two cause of accidental death behind motor vehicle crashes.
For every child who dies due to drowning, another seven will visit the emergency room for nonfatal submersion injuries.
Nearly half of those ER cases will be hospitalized or transferred to another care facility. That’s compared to a hospitalization rate of ten percent for all unintentional injuries.
Nonfatal drowning injuries can cause extreme brain damage and serious long-term disabilities, including memory problems, loss of basic functioning (otherwise known as being in a permanent vegetative state), and learning disabilities.
ENDLESS ACCESS: PART OF THE SOLUTION
At Endless Pools, our mission is to make water-based fun, fitness, and recreation accessible to as many people as possible. We believe that water safe kids grow into water safe adults, so we’re doing our part to support swim education and awareness through our Endless Access Program.
And that’s just one way we’re making a difference. Here are just a few of the ways Endless Pools is helping people of all ages and activity levels stay water safe:
Endless Pools has a range of compact, low maintenance, pools and swim spas that can be installed virtually anywhere, making pool ownership possible for more homeowners. Having regular access to a pool helps children become more comfortable and confident in the water, creating a strong foundation for a lifetime of safe, water-based recreation.
Whether installed in a commercial swim school, backyard, or pool room, Endless Pools products are the ideal environment for swim lessons. Their adjustable current can be dialed up or down to suit most students, and the compact size and configuration means instructors can be just an arm’s length away without actually getting into the pool. With a teacher close at hand, students can feel safe and secure, and benefit from instant feedback.
Features like custom fitted manual, automatic security and locking swim spa covers help keep kids and pets safe when the pool isn’t in use. Accessibility features like bars, steps, and rails make getting in and out of our products safer and easier.
Endless Pools’ resistance current helps young and inexperienced swimmers become accustomed to the properties of moving water. Figures compiled by the Association of Aquatic Professionals, state that 74% of drownings occur in the open water of lakes, oceans, and rivers. Mastering these skills in a controlled space, with an instructor or parent nearby, can give swimmers the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to stay safe both inside the pool or in any open water environment.
Through our Endless Access program, we’re helping make swimming education accessible to all. As a Philadelphia area company, we've partnered with the Greater Philadelphia YMCA to provide swim lessons to hundreds of underserved youths and adults. Our contributions also support Step into Swim, an initiative dedicated to creating more swimmers nationwide. Thanks to Step into Swim, underserved communities across 46 states are gaining access to vital swim education, empowering them to enjoy the water safely.
WATER SAFETY TIPS
These National Water Safety Month tips from the World Waterpark Association can help keep you and your family safer in and around the water:
Everyone should learn to swim. The American Academy of Pediatrics supports swimming classes after the age of 1 if the child is emotionally and developmentally ready.
It is critical that adults actively supervise children whenever they are around water. Do not get distracted while supervising children.
It is best to swim in an area supervised by lifeguards, but lifeguards are the last line of defense when all other layers of protection fail.
Learn how to properly perform CPR.
Follow the posted safety rules. Read and discuss them with children upon arrival to the pool or beach.
All non-swimmers should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. This applies to people who are not comfortable in the water or who are in open bodies of water.
Install barriers, such as pool covers, child alarms, self-locking gates, and fencing to prevent unsupervised access.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Visit the National Water Safety Month Facebook page to like, share, and comment.
Use classrooms to promote water safety by distributing water safety materials, encouraging children to take the water safety pledge, and hanging Water Safety Month posters.
Host a water safety fair in conjunction with other community partners, such as your local YMCA, swimming/triathlon studio, fire department, etc.
MAY IS NATIONAL WATER SAFETY MONTH
Since its inception in 2007, National Water Safety Month has highlighted the importance of water safety. During this time, organizations like the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, the American Red Cross, the National Recreation and Park Association, and the World Waterpark Association join forces to raise awareness about drowning prevention and promote safe practices in and around the water.
Over the years, National Water Safety Month has caught the attention of the governors of every state, who have supported the efforts by signing water safety proclamations. Olympic swimmers have also joined the cause, bringing attention to the importance of swimming lessons and public education regarding safe practices for adults and kids.
HAVE FUN AND STAY SAFE, EVERY DAY!
National Water Safety Month provides a timely reminder that many water-related injuries and tragedies can be prevented. You can do your part by making sure the kids - and adults - in your life know how to swim and behave responsibly around all kinds of water.
At Endless Pools, we recognize that water safety is a year-round commitment. That's why we're dedicated to providing resources, tips, and guidance to help individuals and families stay safe in and around the water, every day!