American Red Cross Training Services’ Post

Choosing the right swim school is almost as critical as enrolling your child in swim lessons. Water Safety USA, a group of national nonprofit and government organizations who provide public education on water safety, created a guide to help parents and caregivers find a good learn-to-swim program. A good learn-to-swim program: ✅ Is safety focused. It will group students based on appropriate student teacher ratios, age, and ability level. ✅ Is encouraging and nurturing. It creates a fun, inviting environment that makes learning to swim fun. ✅ Is inclusive. Its leaders are inclusive, organized, and professional. ✅ Includes parents & caregivers. It's best practice for caregivers to be on-deck for the lesson. ✅ Maintains quality. Teachers should be qualified and expertly trained. At Foss Swim School, we do all of the above and more. We take pride in our learn-to-swim program and all the students we have helped become safe, strong, and confident swimmers. 🏊♀️ You can find the full list of what to look for here 👉 https://ow.ly/RPvC50QP4oo

🌟 Provider Spotlight: Brith McLaren 🌟 This December, we're thrilled to shine a light on one of our excellent providers, Brith McLaren! ✨ Check out her insightful thoughts about her "whys" and the incredible impact she's making. Join us in celebrating the dedication and passion of providers like Brith, who make a positive difference. Image Description: Tile 1: A blue tile with an image of a swimming teacher and a child in the pool smiling, looking at the camera. To the right is says "Provider of the Month. Birth McLaren, Southport, QLD." And “Plus! Hear from Brith about being Autism Swim Approved". In the bottom right corner is the Autism Swim Logo. Tile 2: A blue tile at the top says, "Tell us a bit about you and your background." Below this, to the left, is a video of a teacher and student in the pool collecting items from the bottom. To the bottom right is Brith's response. In the bottom left is the Autism Swim Logo. Tile 3: A blue tile at the top says, "Why did you choose to become Autism Swim Approved, and what are the greatest benefits you've found since doing so?" Below this, to the right, is Brith's response. To the bottom left is a video of a student in the pool collecting items. In the bottom right is the Autism Swim Logo. Tile 4: A blue tile at the top says, "What sort of feedback have you received since putting skills you learned into practice?"Below this, to the right, is a video of a swimming teacher with a child standing on a pool mat. To the bottom left is Brith's response. In the bottom right is the Autism Swim Logo. Tile 5: A blue tile at the top says, "What advice can you give other aquatic providers looking to become more inclusive?" Below this, to the left, is Brith's response. To the bottom right is an image of a swimming teacher and a child in the pool smiling, looking at the camera. At the bottom left is the Autism Swim Logo. . . . . . #AutismSwim #ProviderOfTheMonth #Inclusion #Diversity #CanDoAquatics #AquaticProvider

Keystone Policy Center released a new report today that sheds light on some innovative approaches tackling the housing affordability crisis for the nation’s teachers. The new report, entitled Swimming Upstream: How to Build Teacher Housing to Recruit and Retain Great Teachers, is a follow-up to our landmark 2022 report which highlighted the significant challenges facing public school teachers in Colorado when it comes to finding affordable housing in the districts where they teach.

What a fantastic program! "Paulana Lamonier started Black People Will Swim in 2019 and has since provided free and low-cost lessons to over 2,500 Black and brown people. Lamonier, a former competitive swimmer, started BPWS in 2019 as a “side hustle” after posting on social media that she wanted to teach 30 people how to swim. Since then, BPWS has provided free and low-cost swimming lessons to more than 2,500 Black and brown people at Queens’ York College pool. Lamonier said she plans to expand the business. Like most of their clients, BPWS’s 15 swim instructors are Black. “Seeing someone who looks like me, who is making me feel comfortable, who’s giving me the right affirmations to keep me going, that’s very empowering,” said Jeanette Benons, who takes lessons along with her two sons. “I think that’s a great step and very important for our little kids.” . . . "Drowning is the leading cause of death for US children aged one to four, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Black people under age 30 are 1.5 times more likely to drown than white people, and those disparities are even starker during early adolescence: Black children aged 10 to 14 drown at 7.6 times the rate of white children. These figures have historical roots. Black Americans were historically excluded from quality public pools, and even when segregation was outlawed in the 1960s, pools across the country shut down rather than integrate. Pools that remained open were often openly hostile places for Black swimmers. Today, there are only about 300,000 public pools in the US, compared with 10.7m private pools, according to  estimates  from the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals. Many cities have shortened their public pool seasons and restricted hours – even during record-breaking heat – amid a nationwide shortage of lifeguards. “Black people have not had access for generations to get to pools through racism,” said Donna Hall, 58, whose 11-year-old son Samuel is a student. “With no access to pools, how are you gonna learn how to swim?” Samuel has been taking lessons with BPWS for two years." #theguardian #BPWS #watersafety #socialentrepreneurs

I came across a swim school on Facebook that claims its swim teachers are highly experienced, well-trained, qualified professionals, and have years of experience, with a strong emphasis on water safety. But then their Facebook post tells a different story. Allowing kids to jump off the pool deck dangerously and recklessly into the water is a recipe for disaster, and teachers practicing basic life support CPR wrongly. This is concerning. I am not trying to blame or being disrespectful to the swim school. but their Facebook post does raise some concerns about their practices. 🔴 Is profit more important than doing the right thing? 🔴 Does this mean there is still plenty of room for improvement in our industry? 🔴 What can I do to help swim schools and swim teachers to see things differently?

When Can Babies Start Infant Swim Lessons? As anxious parents, we often want to enroll our babies in swim lessons as early as possible. However, there are several important health and safety factors to carefully consider before introducing infants to the pool environment. Rushing into lessons too soon could put your child at risk. So what exactly is the appropriate age to get your little one started with swimming? Here's a more in-depth look at the expert recommendations: 6 Months for Parent-Child Acclimation Classes Around 6 months is when babies have gained enough strength in their neck, head, and torso muscles to participate in gentle introductory sessions while being held by mom or dad. At this stage, the focus should be on making lessons an enjoyable bonding experience rather than rigorous skill training. Babies can start getting accustomed to the sights, sounds, and sensations of the water through playful splashing, floating, and basic movements. Just 10-20 minutes is sufficient for infants at this age. 9-12 Months for Formal Instruction Most pediatricians and instructors agree formal swim lessons with focused skill building can safely begin between 9-12 months in younger babies who can easily hold themselves upright and demonstrate good head control. At this age, qualified instructors start teaching supported floating techniques, basic propulsion through kicking, and getting comfortable with submerging the face for short durations. Sessions are still gentle with plenty of games, songs, and toys to keep babies engaged and unafraid. 24+ Months for Solo Lessons By age 2, most toddlers have developed the physical coordination, stamina, and cognitive focus necessary to participate in solo or paired swim classes without mom or dad's assistance. This is when they can start refining foundational paddle stroke techniques and practicing longer underwater submersion. Duration is increased to 30 minute sessions a few times a week to reinforce skills through repetition. The Key is Proper Development While each child's readiness varies slightly, following these general age guidelines helps ensure your baby has the developmental milestones and muscle strength needed to safely enjoy the water while you reduce drowning risks. Rushing into regular lessons too early can be counterproductive if the child lacks the physical capabilities. Patience truly pays off when it comes to infant swim instruction. Does your baby seem eager to jump in? What other factors have you considered before starting lessons? Please share your experiences and advice below!

Why Schools are Choosing to Host Let’s Leap Holiday Camps? As we partner with more schools, here’s a few key factors supporting our schools in their decision making! Enhancing School Reputation: The positive feedback from parents on Trustpilot is a testament to the quality of experience we provide, which in turn reflects well on the partnering schools. Offering Unique Activities: From Electric Segway go-karting to canoeing, our camps provide a diverse range of activities that stand out from the usual holiday camp offerings, making them an attractive option for both schools and parents. Financial Benefits for Schools: Our fixed rental fee model not only offers schools a new revenue stream but also supports the community by providing consistent childcare options. By hosting Let's Leap camps, schools are not just opening their doors to fun and learning; they're enhancing their community presence and financial stability! 💫🐸 Lets Leap Sports Academy #EducationalPartnerships #HolidayCamps #CommunityEngagement #innovativelearning

Looking for screen-free activity ideas for your young ones (aged 9-12)? This might be of help! Highlighting a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and camping, to imaginative art projects and intriguing book clubs, your youngster will never run out of new things to explore and enjoy. STEM activities and science experiments spark curiosity and intellectual stimulation. Active games and sporting activities encourage physical fitness, while cooking, baking, music, and dance releases their creativity. These activities are designed to disconnect kids from screens, promote their development while they engage in hands-on, creative play. Not only are they fun, but each activity type also offers key benefits such as improving problem-solving abilities, fine motor skills, teamwork, and self-expression. Step away from the screens and embrace the creativity and imagination waiting to be unlocked! #ChildDevelopment #ScreenFree #ActivityIdeas

🚲 Cycling has a powerful impact on mental health! 🌟 Impoverished communities face challenging circumstances at home on a daily basis. Basic necessities such as clean water, nutritious food, and adequate shelter can be scarce. This lack of access to fundamental resources not only impacts their physical health but also their mental well-being. The constant worry and uncertainty about meeting even the most basic needs can create a sense of helplessness on guardians that can be easily transmitted to the children. Through our programs, REACH aims to release these daily pressures while also providing education and skills development to the children. A safe environment, daily meals and elective activities help our students realise that there are opportunities to grow and have a prosperous future. However, when our students get on a bicycle, something magical happens. The simple act of pedalling brings them joy, freedom, and a sense of adventure. After a day of cycling with their peers in our REACH Riders Club, the students arrive home with less stress, higher levels of endorphins, and a renewed spirit of exploration! This positive change in their mental health not only benefits the kids but also strengthens the bond they have with their families. Cycling has proven to have a transformative effect on mental health, leading to positive changes that extend beyond themselves and impact their families on a day-to-day basis. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by the children inspire guardians to actively encourage their participation in the Side by Side ride. When the event for 2024 was announced, the community embraced it with open arms. Parents and guardians saw the positive impact it had on other children and actively encouraged their own kids to enrol and participate. This collective commitment to growth and development creates a stronger family unit. By providing these incredible children with the opportunity to experience the transformative power of cycling, we can make a lasting impact on their lives. Join us in sponsoring a youth today and help bring smiles, positive change, and brighter futures through cycling. ❤️ To sponsor a youth, click the link below 👇️ https://lnkd.in/eqAUJnC9 . . . #REACHsidebyside #fundraisingcampaign #cycleforcause #charitychallenge