With the COVID-19 crisis in full swing, many of us are turning to state parks, lakes, and of course, the ocean to return to the water. With that in mind, let’s do a quick refresher on safe swimming in natural bodies of water.

Safe Swimming in Natural Bodies of Water

First and foremost, understand the risks.

• Check the weather before leaving. Sudden weather changes can make the natural water setting more dangerous. (True story: I once accidentally went camping on the beach during a hurricane. That was a high-speed pack out. Seriously, check the weather before you go.) Even in known or designated swim areas, sudden inclement weather can change water levels and current and create new hazards. Once at your destination, continue to monitor the weather situation.
• Check out whether bacterial levels in the water are monitored at your local beach and whether the beach is open for swimming (information available from EPA and is only for U.S. coastal/marine and Great Lakes beaches).  Local Beach Information
• Pay attention to posted warnings, particularly current and tide conditions. More than 100 people die annually due to rip currents on our nation’s beaches. These strong currents can form on any shoreline where waves break and can carry a person away from the shore, so anyone near a beach must be careful.
• Watch out for the “dangerous too’s”: too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun and too much strenuous activity.
• Enter open water carefully. It is difficult to estimate water depth and to see hidden objects underwater in the natural environment. Head, neck, and back injuries can occur from hitting bottom or striking an object in the water.
• And finally, never, ever swim alone.

Healthy Swimming

Remember, too, that even in natural water environments, the rules for healthy swimming established by the CDC remain mostly the same.

Check for a lifeguard.

• If on duty, a lifeguard should be focused on the swimmers and not distracted.
• If no lifeguard is on duty, a “No Lifeguard on Duty” sign should be posted.
• If no lifeguard on duty, check to see where safety equipment, such as a rescue ring or pole, is available.

Check yourself.

• Stay out of the water if you have diarrhea.
• Stay out of the water if you have an open wound (for example, from surgery or a piercing) not covered with a waterproof bandage.

Protect yourself.

• Protect against sunburn by using sunscreen with at least SPF 15 that blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
• Use well-fitting Coast Guard-approved life jackets for flotation assistance rather than foam or air-filled toys.
• Don’t pee or poop in the water.
• Don’t swallow the water.
• Keep an eye on children at all times; kids can drown in seconds and silence.

Take frequent breaks.

• Take kids on bathroom breaks.
• Reapply sunscreen.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Dry ears thoroughly after swimming

Natural water swimming can do wonders for both mental and physical health, but as always, know before you go!

Sources:

• https://www.redcross.org/content/dam/redcross/atg/PDF_s/Preparedness___Disaster_Recovery/Disaster_Preparedness/Water_Safety/WhereisitSafetoSwim.pdf
• https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/oceans-lakes-rivers/index.html
• https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/swimmers/steps-healthy-swimming.html

Molly Huggins

Molly is a member of our creative team, mom of four water-loving babies, and a fierce advocate for CPR training and really early swim instruction.

The post Safe Swimming in Natural Bodies of Water appeared first on One with the Water.

3 Heat-related Swimming Injuries

1. Heat exhaustion/heatstroke

Heatstroke is the most deadly and seems counter-intuitive when in the water. However, the danger occurs when the water temperature goes above the mid-eighties. Combined with high air temperatures, the symptoms of heat exhaustion can progress rapidly, resulting in heatstroke, a life-threatening emergency that requires immediate medical attention. If you are in the water (especially warmer water) and notice the following symptoms, you need to exit the water and get out of the sun immediately. (Source).

• Cool, pale skin
• Headache and nausea
• Weakness and exhaustion.
• Dizziness, faintness, and mental confusion
• Rapid, weak pulse.
• Fast and shallow breathing

2. Dehydration

Dehydration is often one of the key factors in heat exhaustion, and can easily occur in the water, even though the body is submerged. You can still sweat while working out in the water. Here are a few basic rules to follow when thinking about hydration:

• As a general rule, you should be drinking at least half your body weight in fluid ounces BEFORE accounting for training. According to Swimming World, you should add in at least 32/ounces per hour of training on top of that.
• Don’t just chug those 32 ounces all at once though. Ensure a steady intake throughout the workout by drinking about 8 oz every 15-20 minutes.
• If you are planning to work out at a moderate to high intensity for over an hour, consider adding electrolytes, in the form of light-colored sports drinks or coconut water prior to and during the workout.

Sunburn

Sunburn is another heat-related injury that can sneak up on you, even if you applied a liberal dose prior to swimming. Most sunscreen applications last about two hours before it begins to break down in the light. You should reapply every two to four hours or after swimming. A lot of people think the higher the SPF, the better. WRONG. Actually, after SPF 50, additional protection is negligible. The real issue is that most people apply sunscreen incorrectly, only using 25-50% of the recommended amount, reducing the actual protective abilities. New York City dermatologist Doris Day, MD told Reader’s Digest, “If you use SPF 50, you really get the protection of an SPF 20 based on how people actually apply it.” Focus on SPF 30-50 and make sure you apply it correctly and often. (See above).

Use the following application recommendations provided by the American Dermatology Association:

• Apply enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin. Most adults need about 1 ounce — or enough to fill a shot glass — to fully cover their body.
• Don’t forget to apply to the tops of your feet, your neck, your ears and the top of your head.
• Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before going outdoors.
• Skin cancer also can form on the lips. To protect your lips, apply a lip balm or lipstick that contains sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Remember, the water cannot protect your body from heat-related swimming injuries. You must be a proactive participant in protecting yourself from the heat-related dangers of swimming. Now, hydrate, apply sunscreen and go swimming!

Molly Huggins

Molly is a member of our creative team, mom of four water-loving babies, and a fierce advocate for CPR training and really early swim instruction.

The post Three Heat-Related Swimming Injuries and How to Avoid Them appeared first on One with the Water.

Sometimes the news can be overwhelming. Right now, LA County caught on fire seemingly overnight. Hundreds of thousands of Northern Californians are without power. Hurricane Dorian almost shut down the entire East Coast last month. In any disaster, natural or otherwise, it’s easy to feel panicked, helpless, and out of control. 

Take drowning, for example. It doesn’t always look the way we imagine it would. This post, written in 2010, goes viral at the beginning of every summer, but let me summarize the facts. Drowning produces what’s known as the instinctive drowning response. It’s silent, as victims are physically unable to cry out for help, fast (less than 30 seconds), and doesn’t involve a whole lot of thrashing around. And perhaps the most alarming, over half of adolescent drownings each year occur within 25 yards of an adult, and in 10 percent of those incidents, the adult will watch them drown with no idea what is happening.  

CPR Saves Lives

I know this is true because it happened to me. My three-year-old passed out in the water with two adults nearby while all our  attention was focused on a minor emergency outside the pool. In those crucial seconds, he decided to swim across the pool, was unable to reach the side, and passed out from holding his breath. Thankfully, he was seen, rescued, and resuscitated by  my cousin using CPR, with no damage to his brain and body. In those moments, however, it became shockingly clear that I was unprepared to give him CPR. In fact, according to a study done by the American Heart Association, less than 20 percent of Americans are equipped to perform CPR during a medical emergency. 

Why does that matter? Well, if a bystander does not perform CPR, the survival chances of a victim will decrease 7% in every single minute of delay. And European studies done on Cardiac resuscitation show that early initiation of basic lifesaving measures increases the chances of survival up to 2–4 times. Additionally, a Canadian study done on out of hospital cardiac deaths related to drowning found, “most drownings are unwitnessed, occur in public locations, and present with non-shockable initial rhythms, suggesting that treatment should focus on bystander CPR.” 

Learn CPR

What’s the point of all this? Simple. Learn CPR. There is a form of CPR known as hands only, eliminating many concerns of individuals concerning the spread of disease or proper breathing techniques. Regardless of how or to what level you learn CPR, you need to learn it. You might very well save a life one day. To find classes, you can access this course finder, taught by the American Heart Association, or this one, prepared by the American Red Cross. 

Molly Huggins

Molly is a member of our creative team, mom of four water-loving babies, and a fierce advocate for CPR training and really early swim instruction.

The post CPR Saves Lives appeared first on One with the Water.

“At One with the Water, we teach swimming lessons using a Growth Mindset approach, is a foundational pillar of our coaching philosophy. Pioneered by Dr. Carol Dweck, the Growth Mindset is predicated on the simple belief that while everyone’s starting point may differ, our most basic abilities can grow and develop with consistent hard work and dedication.”

On a practical note, however, what does it look when we start a nonswimmer in the water? While we believe all students are capable of growth, improvement, and success in the water, the starting point for each athlete can be very different. Let’s review the necessary water safety skills for success your swimmer will learn upon beginning swim lessons with One with the Water.

Water Safety Skills for Success

When coaching, we develop individualized swim goals for each client based on the individual, the skill or stroke being learned, the assist levels needed (can be physical assistance, or verbal, visual and tactical cueing), and the specific conditions of the individual and the environment.

All goals start with the following skills progression to ensure you or your child are safe and fully at ease in the water.

1. Safely enter the pool.
2. Safely exit the pool: Steps one and two may seem obvious to the untrained individual, but learning to enter and exit a pool safely increases confidence and teaches the child to be more at ease in the water. Basic swim skills, including entering pool, surfacing, and moving oneself approximately 25 yards can reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%.
3. Floating: supine, prone, alternating, recovery: When just learning to swim, young children and new swimmers can tire easily.Learning to float can aid in recovery and rest time before managing to swim to the side or an exit point.
4. Blowing bubbles: standing, kicking, swimming: Both breath control and submerging the mouth in water are necessary to prevent inhalation of water and are the final steps before beginning to learn the individual strokes.

Register for Swim Lessons

Fifty-eight percent of parents do not consider drowning a threat to their children. In fact, drowning is the second leading cause of death for children under the age of 14 and almost half of US adults report not knowing basic swim skills. Swim lessons matter. Swim skills for water safety are a vital part of keeping your children safe and successful in the water. Register today!

Molly Huggins

Molly is a member of our creative team, mom of four water-loving babies, and a fierce advocate for CPR training and really early swim instruction.

The post 4 Basic Water Safety Skills For Swim Success appeared first on One with the Water.

1. Introducing babies to the water. At One with the Water, we are passionate about the science behind our coaching methods. We know that when the forehead is stimulated, infants tend to hold their breath. We use the bradycardic reflex to help them with their comfort level in the water. 

2. Teaching a child to get out of the water on their own. Most children are so surprised by sudden entry into the water that they become disoriented and overwhelmed. One of the first things we do is teach them to safely exit the water. 

3. Teaching a child to turn over from their stomachs to floating on their backs. Learning to float is a valuable skill that can keep a child from panicking and going under. 

4. Teaching a child to kick to safety. Kicking is the foundation to learning the core strokes of swimming. Isolating their kicking improves strength, technique and builds confidence in your child. 

At One with the Water, we offer premium swimming lessons to help your children enjoy the water with safety and success this summer. In one 8 week session, your child can safely master these essential skills to staying safe in the water.

Our current locations include options in Burbank, Culver City, and Santa Monica.

Saturday options:

• Burbank 11:30 – 2:00 pm
• Culver City Plunge 09:30 – 1:00 pm (every Saturday all year)
• We currently have a Parent and Me (baby class) at 10 am every Saturday in Culver City.

Sunday Options: Santa Monica Swim Center (Sundays 3-5 pm)

Register now for safety and success in the water!

Molly Huggins

Molly is a member of our creative team, mom of four water-loving babies, and a fierce advocate for CPR training and really early swim instruction.

The post 4 Essential Skills for Water Safety appeared first on One with the Water.

First, you have to understand the risks. We’ve talked about it plenty on here, but here it is again. According to the CDC, drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years.

Unlike the movies, drowning is most often swift and silent— and many children who drown in home pools were out of sight for less than 5 minutes and in the care of one or both parents at the time. This was my story, although fortunately we were able to grab him in time.

And finally, the place where drowning is most likely varies by age. Children under 1 year most often drown in bath tubs, buckets or toilets. Children ages 1 to 4 years most often drown in home pools. Older children most often drown in natural water settings.*

Basic Water Safety

We’ve collected some water safety tips from the American Red Cross to make sure you are safe and successful in and around the water this spring and summer.

First, know the water hazards in your community and make sure children stay away. These hazards could include—

• Drainage ditches.
• Garden ponds.
• Creeks and streams.
• Wells and cisterns.
• Canals.

Second, maintain constant supervision.

• Maintain constant supervision of children whenever around water.
• Avoid distractions when supervising children around water.
• Have children or inexperienced swimmers wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone—always maintain constant supervision!

Third, block access to unguarded, non-designated swimming areas.

Fourth, alcohol and water do not mix. Alcohol impairs judgment, balance and coordination; affects swimming and diving skills; and reduces the body’s ability to stay warm.

And finally, know how to respond to an aquatic emergency.

• If a child is missing, check the water first. Seconds count in preventing death or disability.
• Know how and when to call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
• Enroll in Red Cross water safety, first aid and CPR courses to learn what to do. Insist that babysitters, grandparents and others who care for children know these lifesaving skills.

Drowning is preventable.

The good news? Drowning is preventable. While swim lessons are never a substitute for supervision, they DO reduce the risk of drowning by up to 88%. At One with the Water, we believe that swimming is a life skill that all children should learn. Swimming equips us with skills that help us live better and could potentially save your life.

Learning to swim teaches us ways to cope with the challenges that come our way in life. The approach used by One with the Water provides success at any age. We empower your child, building their confidence and awareness of the water, teaching your child to swim as quickly as possible. Our swimming lessons for kids are scheduled to meet your needs. Register today and find out more about swimming lessons for kids!

Molly Huggins

Molly is a member of our creative team, mom of four water-loving babies, and a fierce advocate for CPR training and really early swim instruction.

The post 5 Water Safety Tips for Parents and Caregivers appeared first on One with the Water.

Short answer: YES, and here’s why.

Four reasons to choose infant and toddler swim lessons.

First: Let’s start with the scary statistics. According to the CDC, approximately one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger. For every child who dies from drowning, another five receive emergency department care for nonfatal injuries related to drowning.  Additionally, Californians are at increased risk for drowning and near drowning incidents. In fact, in California, drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children between the ages of 1 and 4.

Second: Now, for the good news. Swimming reduces the risk of drowning in the same age group (ages 1-4) by up to 88%. True story, according to a 2009 study published in the Journal of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine.

Third: Don’t believe me, believe the American Academy of Pediatrics. Until 2010, infant and toddler swimming lessons (under age 4) were not recommended. Based on the previously mentioned research, and a Chinese study that showed similar results, the AAP changed their recommendations to include the 1-4 age group.

Fourth: Not only do swim lessons reduce the risk of drowning, but research shows swimming strengthens gross and fine motor skills for easier learning. Due to the specific bilateral motions used in swimming, the entire brain is working in concert with each other. These movements help to develop the connecting tissue between the hemispheres and increase communication between the two halves of the brain. The result? Better cognitive function and better learning ability. Additionally, a 2012 study discovered that children taught to swim at a young age hit developmental milestones consistently quicker than average. They displayed better coordination and increased fine motor skills like cutting paper, coloring in the lines, and other mathematically-related tasks. The applications are far reaching, ESPECIALLY for children with special needs.

Remember, swim lessons are NOT a substitute for proper pool safety and adult supervision while your child is swimming! Always maintain the touch rule for infants, weak, and nonswimmers.

Infant and Toddler Swim Lessons

Have we convinced you yet? Good news – One with the Water offers infant and toddler swim lessons in multiple locations, plus we’ll come to your home for private lessons. Our swimming lessons for babies and infants in Los Angeles programs are scheduled to meet your needs. The approach we use provides 100% success, regardless of age. The first few swim classes are spent helping your infant or baby feel comfortable in the water, building your infant or toddlers awareness of the water, building confidence while learning simultaneous arm motion and how to float in the water safely.

If you are passionate about the water, consider helping us serve the community with swim lessons for low income families and children with special needs. Be a hero TODAY and help reduce the risk of drowning for children by up to 88%!

Molly Huggins

Molly is a member of our creative team, mom of four water-loving babies, and a fierce advocate for CPR training and really early swim instruction.

The post Four Reasons to Choose Infant and Toddler Swim Lessons appeared first on One with the Water.

I was shocked, and secretly vindicated, when I discovered as an adult that eating and swimming directly afterward was not, in fact, going to result in me drowning in the throes of terrible stomach cramps. (For posterity sake, however, I must admit that I am all in on the TV time rule, and I half-heartedly attempt the one at a time rule at Christmas. And I am as bossy as she was with a camera.)

In the interests of 8-year-olds everywhere (and the rest of you who may still believe this), stick around while I debunk this and other popular (and dangerous) swimming myths.

MYTH #1: I have to wait thirty minutes (or an hour) after eating before swimming. (Grandma said so!)

FACT: Much to the chagrin of exhausted parents everywhere, this is NOT TRUE. The thought behind this oft-wielded rule is that the blood rushing to your digestive system to help process your meal is diverted from your arms and legs. The resulting loss of blood causes cramps and potential drowning. While it is true that more blood moves to the stomach to aid in digestion, it is nowhere near enough to cause your muscles to fail. Our body produces the volume of blood needed to perform many functions at once. In fact, swimming produces adrenaline, which can step up oxygen delivery to needed areas. Rather than sitting out, use common sense when eating and swimming – heavy meals tend to make you more lethargic and engaging in heavy exercise on a full stomach is more likely to cause stomach upset. So by all means, wait if you are in a post-lunch food coma. Otherwise, dive on in! 

MYTH #2: There is no need to wear sunscreen – after all, I’m mostly under the surface of the water. Or, it’s cloudy today, I don’t need sunscreen at all!

FACT: Wear sunscreen. Full stop. Everyone is susceptible to skin cancer, no matter your age, race, or gender. Studies show an estimated 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their life. On top of that, water, sand, and snow INCREASE your need for sunscreen because they act as a powerful reflector of the sun’s rays.  And just because you tan beautifully, doesn’t mean you don’t need sunscreen! Both tans AND sunburns are signs of skin damage. Here are some quick tips to maximize sunscreen usage.

• Apply 30 minutes before swimming, then reapply, reapply, reapply! Every 40 to 80 minutes, depending on the water resistance level.
• Pay attention to expiration dates. Ingredients can break down over time.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of SPF 15 or higher, but the difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is 1% more protection.
• Wear sunscreen on cloudy days. UVA/UVB rays can penetrate clouds and even glass! On cloudy days, as much as 80% of the sun’s dangerous UV rays can still damage your skin.

MYTH #3: No need to stay hydrated – after all, I’m IN the water!   

FACT: Swimming is a strenuous sport, and like any other vigorous activity, can cause loss of fluids through sweating. Because we are in the water, however, we are LESS likely notice, and therefore more susceptible to dehydration. So, when planning a day at the pool, the lake, or the beach, begin hydrating long before you hit the water, and continue throughout the day. Athletes training in the pool should drink actively hydrate throughout the day and add in electrolyte replacements as needed. In the immortal words of my drill sergeant: “DRINK WATER.”

MYTH #4: Drowning is loud and easy to spot. I’ll know if my child is in trouble!

FACT: Due to the Instinctive Drowning Response, so named by Dr. Francesco Pia, drowning is often silent, and happens within eye and earshot of other people. According to the CDC, drowning is the second leading cause of death among children between the ages of 1 and 14. Additionally, just under half of these accidental drownings will occur within 25 yards of an adult, and in approximately 10% of cases, the adult will actually watch the drowning occur.

According to Dr. Pia and Mario Vittone, a former Coast Guard rescue swimmer, here are the signs to watch for:

• Unable to call for help
• Unable to raise arms and wave for help
• Head low in the water, mouth at water level
• Head tilted back with mouth open
• Eyes glassy and empty, unable to focus
• Eyes closed
• Hair over forehead or eyes
• Not using legs – Vertical
• Hyperventilating or gasping
• Trying to swim in a particular direction but not making headway
• Trying to roll over on the back
• Appear to be climbing an invisible ladder.

Parents, stay close to your babies. It only takes a second. Trust me, I know. Stay within arms reach of non-swimmers, and only use Coast Guard approved flotation devices.

There. I hereby pronounce you safely equipped to start swimming, whether it be after lunch or before!

And if perhaps you don’t actually know how to swim, choose from one of our popular swim programs to get started today. We offer infant, child, adult and programs for individuals with special needs. Don’t be a statistic!

You can help us save other peoples’ lives too. Have you already experienced what swimming can do? Partner with us today to teach economically disadvantaged children, children with special needs, and Service-Disabled Veterans to become One with the Water. Help reduce the risk of drowning for children by up to 88%!

Molly Huggins

Molly is a member of our creative team, mom of four water-loving babies, and a fierce advocate for CPR training and really early swim instruction.

The post Four Swimming Safety Myths Debunked appeared first on One with the Water.

My mother with my second son. Leaving a legacy of courage.

So you can imagine my surprise when I just recently learned that my mother didn’t learn to swim until she was in college. My grandmother took her to swim lessons as a child, but she had a traumatic experience in the water and never went back. It wasn’t until she was in college that she had the courage to try again.

And thank goodness she did. Her bravery in the face of her fear added a richness and depth to the landscape of my childhood that would have otherwise been absent. And now we can pass to our children the very same love for the water bred deep in our blood.

Accidental Drowning

Sadly, she wasn’t and isn’t alone in reaching adulthood without knowing how to swim. According to the CDC, ten people die from accidental drowning EVERY DAY.

• Of these ten, eight are over the age of 14.
• Drowning is the fifth leading cause of accidental death across all age groups in the US.
• It jumps to the top three when victims are under the age of 29.
• Also, over half of drowning victims who do survive and require emergency treatment need hospitalization for more care. (Compared to 6% for other accident-related injuries)
• Nonfatal accidental drowning can cause severe brain damage, resulting in permanent disabilities.

Why the scary facts? Because at One with the Water, we care about saving lives.

Drowning is preventable.

Don’t let your fear, anxiety, or traumatic memories prevent you from learning to swim. Whether you tried and failed as a child, like my mother, or never tried at all; we can help! Whether you are looking to learn to swim, conquer childhood fears, develop open-water swim techniques and strategies, or advanced stroke correction, our swimming lessons for adults provide a personal and customized swimming program which will allow you to become a strong swimmer regardless of your athletic skills, flexibility or body-type. Our swimming experts have over 35 years of experience as competitive swimmers and teachers. We will succeed, with compassion, in teaching you to swim.

Listen to just two of our clients tell their story:

“I just wanted to THANK YOU for your wonderful staff, Coach Aviva. She helped me learn and become comfortable in the water. As an adult, I never thought I would be able to learn to swim. Aviva helped me overcome my fears in the pool. She really was a great teacher. I’m excited to be able to swim with my special needs son on vacation in Hawaii next month.” ~ Greta M.

“I’ll never forget my first swim lesson with Coach Kenneth of One with the Water. He asked me to kick with a kick-board: I went backwards! As a 40-year old who desperately wanted to become a better swimmer, I was extremely lucky to find Coach Kenneth. Six months later I am swimming 2000+ yards per workout, including freestyle, and I am proficient in all four strokes. I never dreamed that possible. Coach Kenneth is an outstanding teacher and motivator. I feel so lucky to have trained with him.” ~ Scott G.

We want to help you leave a legacy of courage for the loved ones in your life like my mother did for me. And, if you have already experienced the freedom of learning to swim, consider donating to our foundation. (Learn more about our Mission). We know you want to be compassionate, involved members of your community. When you donate to One with the Water, you create real and lasting change in the lives of our adaptive athletes. They are confident, courageous, successful, and safe, thanks to you!

Have you already experienced what swimming can do? Partner with us today to teach economically disadvantaged children, special needs children, and Service-Disabled Veterans to become One with the Water! Be a hero today, and when you donate now, you can help reduce the risk of drowning for children by up to 88%! Be a hero and help us save the life of a child.

Want more details? Visit our foundation page to be a hero.

Molly Huggins

Molly is a member of our creative team, mom of four water-loving babies, and a fierce advocate for CPR training and really early swim instruction.

The post Accidental Drowning is Preventable With Swimming Lessons appeared first on One with the Water.

Well friends, we’ve told you who we are. We’ve told you where the money goes. Let’s

Our Mission

Most people who want to swim hardly know where to start, and struggle with fear and anxiety in the water. Unfortunately, many of those most at risk of accidental drowning are often the same people who don’t have the resources needed to be safe and successful in the water. We believe everyone should be able to learn the life-saving skill of swimming, particularly the most vulnerable members of our community, and we know you do too. At One with the Water, our mission is to train all our swimmers to be confident, courageous, successful and safe.

We know life with special needs can be unpredictable, challenging, and isolating. That’s why, in addition to our regular infant, child, and adult swim lessons, we developed an Adaptive Athletes program to train athletes from elementary age, through high school and beyond. Our coaches are certified and equipped to manage ADD & ADHD, Anxiety, Autism Spectrum, Down and CHARGE syndrome, Sensory Integration Issues, auditory processing disorders, amputation, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, spinal cord injury, obesity, and more.

Adaptive Athletes Training

When our adaptive athletes begin training, expert coaches assess their unique needs and design a custom training plan to build their awareness and confidence in the water. They learn what success looks like, both in competition and in life.

In addition, swimming provides measurable health and therapeutic benefits for our special needs community in and out of the water. From better balance and gross motor skills, to improved speech and communication, our adaptive athletes are changing their lives by learning to swim. Their risk of accidental drowning plummets by 88%. Being a part of a team reduces isolation and creates positive peer relationships that carry over outside of the pool. They have the confidence to conquer their fears!   

Create Miracles

We know you want to be compassionate, involved members of your community. When you donate to One with the Water, you create real and lasting change in the lives of our adaptive athletes. They are confident, courageous, successful, and safe, thanks to you!

Remember, 

• $180 a month provides a child access to the life-changing swim team preparing them for high school and college!
• $275 a month teaches a special needs child the lifesaving skill of swimming.
• $5000 provides education and credentialing for our coaches.
• $10,000 provides six months of pool access.

And did you know tomorrow is #GivingTuesday? 

“#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season.

We’d love for you to celebrate your holidays this year by helping us create miracles in the lives of our adaptive athletes. DONATE TODAY and share this post with the hashtag #givingtuesday to be a part of this worldwide movement. Remember to tag us, too! 

Molly Huggins

Molly is a member of our creative team, mom of four water-loving babies, and a fierce advocate for CPR training and really early swim instruction.

The post One with the Water: Our Mission appeared first on One with the Water.