6 Swimming and Pool Safety Facts and Myths

Drowning statistics are sobering, and both pools and beaches present hazards that go beyond swimming safety. Here are some simple smart tips for staying safe.

By Dan Shapley

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Boys and Girls are Equally at Risk of Drowning

Myth: Four in five drowning victims are boys or men, according to CDC drowning statistics. Research has shown that boys and men are more likely to be over-confident in their swimming abilities, and younger adults are more likely than older adults to be over-confident.

What You Can Do:
> Enroll your children in swimming lessons at an early age. Risk of drowning is decreased by nearly 90% when children aged 1 to 4 years participate in formal swimming lessons. Adults, too, can benefit from refresher courses. But be aware that adult supervision of young swimmers is still essential even if they've had good swimming lessons.
> Know your limits!

Related: How to Get Your Man to Eat Organic Food

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