MEMPHIS, Tenn. — With the heat comes a time for many to jump in a pool. But it’s important to keep in mind safety first and foremost.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death worldwide, accounting for 7% of all injury-related deaths. Who said in the U.S., drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death in children ages one to 14 years old.
It can take only minutes for brain injury or even death to happen underwater. That's why doctors remind parents and guardians to keep a close eye on children and be within arms-length of even younger children.
Physicians at Saint Francis Hospitals had these safety reminders for kids who are going to the pool this summer.
- Put down any phones, books, or other distractions. The biggest way to keep kids safe is to keep eyes on them.
- Make sure there are barriers around any pools at home. Locks and alarms are also a good idea.
- Sign children up for swim classes, that way they are as prepared as possible in the water.
- Learn CPR. Doctors say everyone should know CPR, because the sooner it's started, the better the outcome could be for the drowning victim.
Swim Lessons in the Mid-South
Experts said it’s best to start talking to kids and practice pool safety early and often. And getting them in the water to learn how to swim can keep them safe.
Several places across the Mid-South offer swim lessons for all ages. Here are a few:
Splash Mid-South:
Splash Mid-South began after the tragic drowning of two local teens in 2008. Community volunteers provide free and low-cost swim lessons.
- Requirements:
- Age 6 – 12 years
- Must receive any kind of Tennessee assistance
- Must be able to attend all 10 sessions
- Must have swim suit, goggles, towel (may be provided, if not possible to provide)
- Must have transportation to and from the swim lesson site
- Learn more at https://splashmidsouth.org/.
Memphis Parks Aquatics:
Swim lessons are available at Hickory Hill from 4:00pm-7:15pm, and Bickford from 4:00pm-5:30pm. Call locations directly for availability.
- Youth swim lessons are for ages 5-17. They cost $25, which includes ten 45 minute classes Monday through Friday.
- Adult swim lessons are for ages 18+. They cost $48, which includes ten 45 minute classes Monday through Friday.
- Senior lessons are also available at $30 per session.
- Complete registration in person.
- Aquatic centers only accept cashier’s checks or money orders, payable to the City of Memphis.
- Learn more at https://memphisparks.com/activity/aquatics/.
YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South:
The YMCA offers classes beginning at 6 months of age up to adults. Lessons are available year-round with daytime, evening, and weekend classes at multiple locations.
Prices range from $45 to $180 for group or private lessons for members and non-members. Financial assistance is available.
Learn more at https://www.ymcamemphis.org/main/swim-lessons/.
Salvation Army – KROC Center:
NOTE: Due to the summer programming schedule, the Salvation Army KROC Center group swim lessons will not be available during June and July. Further details on swim lessons will be provided when they resume in August.
Lessons are available for ages three and up. Contact the KROC Center for pricing and memberships.
Learn more at https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/KrocMemphis/aquatics/.
Memphis Jewish Center:
NOTE: There will be no group lessons in June or July. Group lessons will resume the second week of August.
The Memphis Jewish Center provides youth group lessons and private/semi-private swim lessons.
Prices range from $117 to $210 for members and non-members depending on the class.
Learn more at https://www.jccmemphis.org/featured-boxes/aquatics/.
Germantown Athletic Club:
Germantown Athletic Club offers swim lessons for all ages. Prices vary for members and non-members.
Learn more at https://www.germantownathleticclub.org/swim-lessons.
SafeSplash Swim School:
SafeSplash Swim School offers swim lessons at various locations in Cordova, Bartlett, Lakeland, Collierville, and Memphis. They offer group and private lessons for all ages. Some of the schools offer a free trial.
Learn more at https://www.safesplash.com/.
Diventures:
Diventures offers swim lessons for babies through adults. In Memphis, they are offered through The Dive Shop, which also offers SCUBA and diving lessons.
Learn more at https://www.diventures.com/.
Goldfish Swim School:
Goldfish Swim School in Germantown offers lessons for all abilities from ages four months to 12 years. Lessons run $30 to $40 per lesson.
Learn more at https://goldfishswimschool.com/.
InstaSwim:
InstaSwim offers private lessons at your own home pool. There’s a $20 annual registration fee per student, then pricing varies depending on lesson packages.
Learn more at https://instaswimusa.com/.
The Pool School:
The Pool School in Collierville offers lessons for all ages and abilities.
Learn more at https://swimpoolschool.com/.
Grown Women Swim:
Grown Women Swim specializes in lessons for women ages 16 and up.
Learn more at https://grownwomenswim.company.site/.
There are many more swim instructors who offer private lessons around the Mid-South. Be sure to research and check for certifications, including CPR, to make sure your children are in good hands.