The little kids started swimming lessons two days a week for the rest of the summer today. I should have started them sooner, but as a former instructor I know sometimes kids just aren’t ready, and finally all 3 of the younger ones are ready to learn.
While I am a former competitive swimmer, I don’t dream of them being the next Michael Phelps (minus the drug use thank you very much), or Summer Sanders. I want them to be safe.
The kids are doing great on their own-they are all close to learning how to swim, especially my oldest who loves to swim underwater. The littlest one at 2 he would walk into the pool until he was up to his neck and just keep going. I had to be on top of him every second. Now at 4, he’s better about staying where he’s supposed to be, but they still aren’t safe.
At their lesson today I sat by the side of the pool, and watched and talked to them as they took turns with the instructor. While the instructor was halfway up the pool with my oldest, my little guy bounced on the 4th step and fell off too far from the edge to grab a pole or pool edge and pull himself out.
It was all a flash.He couldn’t get back up. He was completely under the water. Silent. Still. Alone.
I knew what was happening. Within seconds I pulled him out without stopping to take off my sneakers. Did I have to jump in? Yes. By the time a lifeguard or his instructor got there he would have been under for 30 seconds maybe more. Too much time.
I’ll continue to go, sit and watch him, and his siblings as they try to swim and play, and take lessons at the pool, but you better believe I’ll have on my suit.
“Approximately 750 children who will drown next year, about 375 of them will do so within 25 yards of a parent or other adult. In ten percent of those drownings, the adult will actually watch them do it, having no idea it is happening (source: CDC).”
This quote is from a very through, and sobering article on drowning via Mario Vittone called “Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning” Please read it.
The teams are set, the hype is well underway and Super Bowl party planning is in full swing.
While you may not be thinking about the dangers of buzzed driving this time of year, you or someone you know will likely be attending a party where alcohol is served. Whether you’re rooting for the Colts or the Saints, there are some things you need to know to keep yourself and your loved ones safe before, during and after Super Bowl XLIV.
When you’re heading out to a party or hosting guests, remember to always plan ahead:
Designate a sober driver or be prepared to find a safe ride home for your guests.
Be ready to take alternate transportation such as a bus or taxi. Have the phone number of a taxi service stored in your phone before you leave for the party.
I’m working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council as they continue their efforts with the “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving” PSA campaign. In 2008, 11,773 people were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes.
Buzzed drivers are those who drink and drive, but do not consider themselves a hazard on the roadway because “only a few” drinks are consumed. The campaign hopes to educate people that consuming even one drink too many can impair driving and that “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.” So even if you are planning on staying home Super Bowl weekend, please remind your loved ones that buzzed driving IS drunk driving.
To learn more about the impact buzzed driving can have on a life, please watch this important video about the financial and personal repercussions of getting a DUI:
Remember: Buzzed Driving IS Drunk Driving. Plan ahead and ask your loved ones to do the same.
For more information, visit Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving on Facebook and Twitter (@BuzzedDriving).
Car seat safety is something that is very important to me, so when Momfluence asked me to share how to keep your children, or little passengers, safe in the car, I jumped at the chance.
This is an issue we’ve been talking about a lot in our house since the 5 year old would LOVE to ride in a booster seat so I don’t have to buckle her in. She’s super light though, at only 37 lbs. and she still fits in her Britax Decathlon. The booster will have to wait.
My 7 year old will be 8 soon, and thinks 8 is the magic number to ditch the booster seat, so I explained to her that she will need to pass this test to ride without a booster. She wasn’t too pleased with that, but her safety comes first.
For current laws in your state, look here. Our state, Pennsylvania requires children to ride in car seats until age 4, and booster seats until age 8, and in the backseats until age 12. Think that’s overkill? Google car seat or booster seat crash test.
There are some amazing resources available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about child seat safety. These links were provided by the NHTSA and the Ad Council.
A safety expert mans @ChildSeatSafety on Twitter, and will answer any questions
that parents have about child passenger safety. This is such a unique resource from a government agency!
NHTSA has a Facebook page where parents can learn about everything from LATCH to locating inspection offices.
The Ad Council and the NHTSA have created a site with all the resources parents need to keep
their smallest passengers safe. On the site you can find your local inspection station, watch instructional videos, and even take a fun quiz!
If you have questions about car seat safety, please feel free to leave them in the comments.
Kelly
Disclaimer: This is not a paid post, nor did I receive compensation for it.
. The booster will have to wait.
