Swimming tips from MLSP

Jul 29, 2020

Hi everyone, and welcome back to Week 3 of Swimming Tips & Water Safety with the Mazinaw Lake Swim Program. This week’s topic is drowning prevention, as last week was Drowning Prevention Week with the Lifesaving Society. 

An easy way to remember some drowning prevention tips is using the acronym, SWIM. 

Supervision is highly important in any body of water, such as lakes, pools, and even bathtubs. 

Water safety

Include proper devices in your water outings such as lifejackets, water, flashlights, whistles or other sound making devices, and sun protective gear. Check the weather before your departure, and exit the water should it become dangerous. 

Make sure you are aware of your surroundings, and your own limits. 

Another highly recommended skill is to become familiar with CPR procedures. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is what keeps the heart beating, therefore spreading oxygen throughout the body, and reducing the risks of permanent brain damage caused by the lack of oxygen when a victim goes unconscious. 

Q OF THE WEEK: Do you know the compression to breath ratio used in CPR?

ANSWER TO LAST WEEK'S QUESTION: A whip kick is with your knees almost together, and moving your lower legs in circles AWAY from your midline with the feet flexed (Toes pointed towards your nose). It is used in breaststroke, as well as elementary backstroke. A flutter kick is with your legs straight, and kicking from the hips with your feet pointed (Toes pointed away from your nose).