Talking water safety with Andrew Joseph :: Goldfish Swim School
DISCLAIMER: Hey reader! Please know Goldfish Swim School is a valued partner of theCityMoms. Because of this relationship, we occasionally share sponsored content we feel could be valuable or interesting for your family. Read on, reader!
It's true: Keeping kids safe in and around water is more than a profession for Andrew Joseph. In fact it’s his passion. As the Area Manager of Indianapolis-based Goldfish Swim Schools in Carmel, Fishers {and Greenwood coming late 2019!}, his mission is to ensure ALL children stay safe both in the pool and around water we encounter every day.
Throughout the years, theCityMoms have gotten to know Andrew well and more importantly, see his prowess and passion for water safety shine thru. Today we're reflecting on all Andrew has taught us on water safety, awareness and education.
In May 2018, Andrew shared some easy water safety tips:
W– Wear Your Life Jacket: This is one of the easiest ways to increase safety in the water. There are plenty of different types of life jackets to fit all sizes – pay attention to proper fit.
A– Act. Throw! Don’t go:Do your kids know what to do in a swimming emergency? They should ACT! Their first instinct may be to go towards the person having trouble in the water. Instead, they should throw a life preserver – and don’t go! That way, they aren’t putting themselves in jeopardy as well and are truly able to help.
T– Take Swim Lessons: You can start your child in swim lessons as early as four months old where they can begin learning swim and safety skills while building character through guided play.
E– Educate. Learn Swim Safety Skills: Key water safety skills can go a long way – such as the crab walk, properly getting in and out of the pool, going under water, rolling on their back, treading water, learning different strokes.
R– Respect. Play it Cool and Follow the Rules: Rules are there for a reason, especially when it comes to rules for the pool. Walk, don’t run; make sure an adult is watching; no horseplay. Review rules together as a family before setting your kids loose to enjoy the water.
In April 2018, Andrew scooped us that water safety programs are available for community organizations like local schools, Scout troops, daycares and more. {Bonus: They're free!}:
“We partner with local organizations and schools to offer free water safety programming because we want to spread water safety awareness throughout the Indianapolis community,” said Andrew Joseph, Area Manager at Goldfish Swim School Indianapolis and Water Safety Expert. “During the free presentations kids will learn from experienced Goldfish Swim School instructors who use integrity, compassion and trust to educate children about the importance of water safety.”
WHAT: Water Safety Programming and Presentations for Local Schools and Community Organizations for Students ages 3 to 7
TIME: 20 minutes
COST: FREE
WHERE: Your school, daycare or community group. Presentations can also be hosted at one of the two Goldfish Swim School locations:
If you are interested in partnering with Goldfish Swim School on water safety programming or to schedule a free water safety presentation, contact Andrew Joseph at Andrew.Joseph@goldfishss.com. For more information about the Indianapolis-based Goldfish Swim School locations, visit Goldfish Swim School – Carmel and Goldfish Swim School – Fishers.
And this past March 2019, Andrew shared important information from the American Academy of Pediatrics - new drowning prevention guidelines:
Parents and caregivers should never leave children alone or in the care of another child while in or near bathtubs, pools, spas, or other open water.
Adults should empty water from buckets and other containers immediately after use.
Do not leave young children alone in the bathroom. Toilet locks can prevent drowning of toddlers.
When infants or toddlers are in or around the water, a supervising adult with swimming skills should be within an arm’s length, providing constant “touch supervision.”
Even with older children and better swimmers, the supervising adult should focus on the child and not be engaged with other distracting activities.
MORE INFO: Goldfish Swim School is a premier learn-to-swim facility dedicated entirely to infants and children, ages four months to 12 years. They have two locations in the greater Indianapolis area: 271 Merchants Square Drive in Carmel and 11581 Geist Pavilion Drive in Fishers. Lessons are offered in a child-friendly environment on a family-friendly schedule. Visit goldfishswimschool.com or call {317} 810.0790 for additional details.
