At Asphalt Green, water safety is one of our highest priorities. To date, we’ve taught over 100,000 people how to swim through our Waterproofing program, and just this year, we launched Wave Makers, a groundbreaking partnership to expand access to swim instruction. We believe everyone should be able to learn how to safely enjoy the water.
For National Water Safety Month, we asked our Waterproofing experts to provide us with four essential Water Safety practices. Make sure to keep these in mind before you dive in!
1. Come Prepared
One of the most important ways you can practice safe swimming is by ensuring you have all the necessary gear required before you head to the pool or beach, especially for kids. This includes a bathing suit, swim cap, goggles, and most importantly, a properly fitted life jacket when required. We recommend using United States Coast Guard (USCG) approved life vests.
2. Put on Your USCG Life Jacket Properly
Life jackets are essential for non-swimmers and even proficient swimmers in certain situations. Watch the video below for a step-by-step guide to securing the perfect fit:
- Check the label to confirm your life jacket is the right size based on weight and chest range.
- Put arms through the straps and ensure they are positioned comfortably.
- Buckle all straps and zip up any zippers.
- Test the fit by having the swimmer lift their arms; there should be enough space for movement without the life jacket riding up.
3. Master the Five Competency Skills
Before entering the water without a lifejacket, you must know and be able to perform the following five safe swim skills:
- Step or jump into water over your head and return to the surface.
- Turn around in the water and orient yourself to safety.
- Float or tread in water to conserve energy.
- Combine breathing with forward movement, especially during long swims.
- Practice the proper technique for exiting the water, depending on the body of water.
For a closer look, watch a few of our Waterproofing instructors perform each skill:
4. Wherever You're Swimming, Always Be Aware of Pool Rules
Every pool and most bodies of water have their own set of rules to ensure your safety. These include guidelines such as always swimming with a buddy, never diving headfirst into unknown or shallow waters, obeying posted signs and warnings, and avoiding the water during stormy weather. Before you swim, make sure you familiarize yourself with the rules.
Learn to Swim at Asphalt Green
Asphalt Green’s renowned Swim School can offer you a lifetime of safe and joyful swimming. We offer swim programs for students of all ages and abilities, including age-based group classes and private lessons for kids and adults. In our private lessons, we carefully match you or your child up with instructors who specialize in areas of need. Our expert swim instructors are trained to work with swimmers of all levels, from infants and first-time swimmers to elite athletes training for the Olympics.
To learn to swim at Asphalt Green, visit our swim page at your preferred location below: