Lowcountry groups share summer swim safety tips

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD)- Being in the water is one of the biggest parts of summer in the Lowcountry, and it can also be one of the most dangerous. Here are ways you and your family can stay safe before heading out to enjoy the beach or pool. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most drownings in children between one and four years old happen during the summer months. These are tragedies water safety advocates say can be prevented with proper training. 

Kids Swim First School in Mount Pleasant, Charleston Pool Scouts and the Hope Flats Foundation in the Lowcountry offer yearly classes to help parents and kids enjoy a safe summer season. 

“If someone participates in a formal swim lesson class, it reduces drowning by, you know, a crazy number like 88%, so you know, having lessons out there is significant,” said Ray Marinccio, the owner of Pool Scouts.

In addition to learning how to stay safe around water, kids learn essential techniques like floating, swimming, and getting out of the pool, and parents know what they can do ahead of time to make a trip to the beach or pool safer from the start. Experts say simple things like changing the color of a child’s swimsuit could save a life. 

“So, unfortunately, drowning is silent is not like what we see in the movies, with arms waving around and people yelling for help, so the people they go under, we want to make sure that it’s something that they can stand out to the lifeguard or the parent,” said Brian Cubbage, The Franchise owner of Kids First Swim School.

Experts also say to check for rip currents before heading out to the beach, and no matter where you’re swimming, ensure a trusted adult is present. Below are links to a few swimming camps, classes, and programs.

Hope Floats Foundation

Genesis Swim Safety Fund | Charleston County Parks and Recreation (ccprc.com)