Swimming and water safety

Mazinaw Lake Swim Program | Jul 15, 2020

Welcome back to Water safety and swimming tips with the Mazinaw Lake Swim Program! This week’s topic is:

Safe entries

When entering water for the first time, you should always enter feet first, regardless of depth. Check for hidden hazards underwater, such as logs, rocks, as well as the depth! You can’t fit a 5’7 person in a 3’ space.

There are a couple types of feet first entries. First is a wade, where you can wade into the water if you are on a beach. Next is a slip in, this is great if you’re in a pool, or on a low dock. Sit on the edge, and slowly lower yourself in the water.

For you experienced swimmers that want to try a new entry, try a stride entry. This is for when you are familiar with the depth and objects below. The surface you are entering from should not be more than a couple of feet above the water for a stride entry. Step off the edge of the surface with your arms outstretched at your sides, and enter the water with an upwards flutter kick. You want to clap your hands at the same time to keep your head above the water. Switch it up by wrapping up a pool noodle like a pretzel, balance it on your head, and try to land in the water with it still on your head. Get creative!

For more water safety tips, go to the Mazinaw Lake Swim Program website at www.mazinawswim.com ,  or follow us on social media! @MazinawSwim

Swimming trivia of the week: Do you know the difference between a whip kick and a flutter kick?
Answer to last week: Glass flippers!