Industry News: Hubbard Family Swim School Supports National Institute of Health Research

PHOENIX, Arizona, March 11. HUBBARD Family Swim School pledges its support on recent research that was announced by the National Institute of Health earlier this week. The study stated that providing young children with swimming lessons has a protective effect against drowning and allayed concerns that lessons could increase risk by reducing parental supervision and vigilance.

"We are delighted by the research because it conveys a message to our families that swim lessons are not only a valuable learning and health tool, but also a confirmed layer of protection against drowning accidents," said Bob Hubbard, owner of Hubbard Family Swim School. "If you want to take the next step in making your children safe around water, get them swimming to learn skills to last a lifetime."

The study concludes: Participating in formal swimming lessons was associated with an 88 percent reduction in the risk of drowning in children between the ages of 1 to 4. (Arch Pediatr Med. 2009; 163(3):203-210)

"Many of us in the learn-to-swim world have believed for years that lessons impact a child's behavior and are a factor against drowning," said Hubbard. "We encourage parents to be involved and educated about the risks and rewards of swim lessons, which are one part of protection levels that start with Safer Water (gates that lock), Safer Kids (learn to swim) and Safer Response (learn CPR)."

The research, completed under the direction of Duane Alexander, M.D., director at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, state the findings should ease concerns that swim lessons may lead to parental inattention. The study contradicts a previous statement made by the American Academy of Pediatrics and supports the viewpoint of Hubbard Family Swim School. Swimming lessons are considered an appropriate part of comprehensive drowning prevention strategy that should also include pool fencing, adult supervision and CPR training. The findings appear in the March Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Health. For the full press release from the National Institute of Health, please visit http://www.nichd.nih.gov/news/releases/030209-Drowning-Risk.cfm.

Link to Full Study

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use