Even though it has not really felt like spring until the past few days, the occasional warmer days we have had have me yearning for summer. For me, summer has always been associated with swimming. I started on swim team when I was 7 years old at Baboosic Lake in New Hampshire. A coach told me that I could win ribbons, and I was hooked! As soon as I was old enough, I took a lifeguard course so I could have a summer job centered around swimming and my swim schedule. I swam in college at the University of Vermont and started coaching the Middlebury Marlins swim team after my sophomore year. After 11 years of coaching year-round, I decided I should probably get a “real job” and settled on health care — as many of you now know me. Swimming is truly the reason I ended up in Middlebury, though my current job is what has kept me here. I still really enjoy swimming and am looking forward to being part of the coaching staff again (after a 14-year hiatus) for the Middlebury Marlins swim team this summer.
With swimming comes an important reminder about water safety. Water can bring so much joy during the summer months, but it also requires constant attention and respect. Here are some basic water safety reminders to help keep you and your family safe while still having fun this summer:
- Never leave children unattended near water — even for a moment. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly.
- Designate a “water watcher” when children are swimming. This adult should avoid distractions like phones, reading, or conversations.
- Young children and inexperienced swimmers should always swim within arm’s reach of an adult.
- Make sure children wear properly fitted life jackets when boating or participating in water sports. Inflatable floaties and puddle jumpers are not substitutes for supervision or swimming skills.
- Encourage swimming lessons when children are developmentally ready. Learning basic swimming and water survival skills can greatly improve safety and confidence around water.
- Teach children to ask permission before entering the water and to never swim alone.
- Avoid diving into shallow or unfamiliar water.
- Pools should have secure fencing with self-latching gates whenever possible.
- If you have a backyard pool, consider learning CPR and keeping rescue equipment nearby.
- Remember that lakes, rivers, and ponds can have strong currents, cold temperatures (even on warm days), and uneven bottoms.
Most importantly, model safe behavior yourself. Children learn a great deal by watching the adults around them.
I hope everyone has a safe, healthy, and fun-filled summer in and around the water!
Links to area swim lessons (Middlebury and Vergennes also have swim teams):
Kaitlin’s Beach Buddies Swim School
-Monica Benjamin is a nurse practitioner at Porter Pediatrics in Middlebury.
Do you have a story to share about life with young kids in Addison County? We’d love to hear from you! Email [email protected].