Water Safety

At Miller Swim School, water safety is not only what we teach, but it’s who we are. 

At Miller Swim School, we have a passion for swimming and we want all our swimmers to love and respect the water. While we are all about making learning to swim fun, we know learning to swim is a serious matter. Drowning can happen to anyone, any time there is access to water.

Did you know drowning is the leading cause of injury death in U.S. children 1 through 4 years of age? And, for every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries.

The good news is that there are many precautions you can take to lower the risk for you and your children. That’s why water safety is at the core of our brand. We're committed to teaching people how to stay safe in and around water.

Every Lesson a LifeSaver

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH) learning to swim can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%. Learning to swim is one of the most proactive safety precautions you can take for your family. And, we’re not talking about just the kids. Many times parents are also in need of becoming safer, stronger swimmers.

Right from the beginning, every SafeSplash student learns the basics of water safety and efficient swimming techniques. We believe swimmers need to develop swim skills that not only allow them to float, but to also move themselves to safety as strong and confident swimmers. Having an efficient swim stroke enables swimmers to move themselves out of potentially dangerous situations. With Miller Swim School, you'll not only learn to swim, but also gain the confidence to stay safe in the water for a lifetime.

WATER SAFETY STATISTICS

More children ages 1–4 die from drowning than any other cause.

Ten people die each day from unintentional drowning.

Formal swimming lessons reduce the risk of drowning by 88%.

Infant Water Safety

Parents need to watch their baby or toddler carefully near water. Even a small amount of water can be dangerous and cause drowning.

  • Give your full focus: It's your duty to watch over your child. Even though there may be a lifeguard present, no one can protect your child like you can.
  • Teach Ask Before Entering: Help little ones understand the importance of seeking permission before entering the pool. It’s a skill that’s reinforced in every Miller Swim School class and could save their lives!
  • Use Hands-On Supervision: Stay near your child at all times while near water.
  • Adult Supervision: Don't let another child be responsible for watching your child in the water.
  • Stay Alert: Young children can easily wander off. It only takes a moment for a child to slip away from an adult, so always keep a close watch on your child.
  • Life Jacket Safety: Make sure your child wears a Coast Guard-approved life jacket if you’re swimming at a lake, pond, or water park. 

Additional Infant Water Safety Resources:

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Children's Water Safety

Unfortunately, more children ages 1 to 4 die from drowning than any other cause, with the majority occurring in swimming pools or hot tubs. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to keep your kiddos safer in and around the water.

  • Assign a Water Watcher: Designate an attentive adult to oversee swimmers. Water watchers should avoid distractions like cell phones and supervise even in the presence of lifeguards.  
  • Enforce Ask Before Entering: Ensure children ask permission before entering the pool. Miller Swim School reinforces this skill in every class.   
  • Constant Supervision: Even children in flotation devices need constant supervision. Young children should never be in the water alone.
  • Educate All Caregivers: Inform babysitters and nannies about water safety rules. 
  • Review Water Safety Rules: Regularly go over water safety rules before pool visits.
  • Reach or Throw, Never Go: Teach kids to throw a floating object or call for help instead of swimming to someone in trouble.
  • Learn CPR: Learn CPR so you can help during emergencies.  
  • Dial 911: If an emergency occurs, everyone in the family should know how to call 911.
  • Take Swim Lessons: Everyone should learn to swim; formal swimming lessons decrease the chance of drowning by 88%!

Additional Water Safety for Kids Resources: 

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Teen Water Safety

Kids ages 15-19 years old have the 2nd highest fatal drowning rate out of any age group. Risk-taking behavior, peer pressure and alcohol use all lead to increased drowning risk during the teen years, even for strong swimmers. To keep your teen safe in and around water, follow these tips:

  • Swimming Skills for All: Make sure the entire family knows how to swim.
  • Essential Safety Training: Have your teen learn CPR and rescue techniques.
  • Permission to Enter: Even teens need to ask permission before they enter the water. Miller Swim School emphasizes this fundamental skill in every class, regardless of age or level.
  • Adult Supervision: Continue to supervise even though your kids are older – no one is drown-proof!
  • Reach or Throw, Never Go: Teens can overestimate their abilities and try to rescue a friend on their own. Make sure they know to throw a floating object or call for help instead of swimming to someone in trouble.
  • Respect Safety Signs: Ensure teens obey "No Diving" signs. It could save them from a spinal injury!
  • Swim With a Buddy: Make sure teens always swim with a friend or near a lifeguard– they should never swim alone!
  • Open Water Safety: Ensure teens always wear a life jacket when boating or on jet skis.
  • Know the Risks: Discuss the risks of alcohol/drug use around the water.

Additional Teen Water Safety Resources:

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Adult Water Safety

Water safety is crucial for everyone, not just children! Make sure you and your family stay safe around water by following these simple precautions:

  • Know your limitations, including physical fitness, medical conditions.
  • Never swim alone.
  • Always swim sober.
  • Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while boating, regardless of swimming skill.
Additional Adult Water Safety Resources: 
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WATER SAFETY TIPS

S = SWIM LESSONS
(be sure to learn the life saving skill of swimming)

P = PUT AWAY TOYS, PUT UP LADDER
(empty small pools and cover hot tubs)

L = LIFE JACKETS
(on a boat, canoe, kayak, paddle board)

A = ADULT ALWAYS WATCHING
(establish an adult water watcher)

S = SHUT ALL GATES
(self-closing and self-latching gates)

H = HOW TO RESCUE
(Throw, don’t go! Know CPR and rescue skills)

 

 

 

Our Water Safety Curriculum

A team of experienced and passionate world-class swimmers developed the lesson plans we use. From infancy to toddlerhood and beyond, our progressive curriculum empowers your child to become a stronger swimmer.

We believe swimmers should focus on more than just staying afloat—they should also aim to confidently swim to safety. Having efficient strokes and mature safety skills can help swimmers navigate out of dangerous situations. Our swim lesson program includes:

  • A progressive curriculum focused on water safety, skill development, and proper swimming technique for the four fundamental swim strokes.
  • Water safety activities practiced during every lesson including:
    • Permission to enter
    • Bubbles and breath control
    • Safety bobs
    • Rollovers
    • Safety Backstroke
    • Safe entries and exits
    • Underwater object retrieval
    • Endurance
  • Experienced, passionate, Miller Swim School Certified™ instructors who have completed extensive classroom and in-water training programs, along with a series of instructor-shadowing sessions.
USSSA

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