LEARNING TO SWIM
Pool rules
By Zenaida Serrano
Advertiser Staff Writer
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Parents: What do you do to ensure your keiki are safe at the swimming pool? Join the discussion at www.HawaiiMoms.com.
Little James Jet Finley's chubby face lit up as he kicked and splashed about in his mother's arms at a recent swim class in Kane'ohe.
At just 7 months old, he's already learning the basics of swimming and water safety at a parent-tot swim class at the Kokokahi YWCA. James' mom, Kane'ohe resident Jade Stice, 37, believes it's never too early to learn how to swim.
"Swimming is fun, but it could also be dangerous and I want him to be safe," said Stice, a stay-at-home mom and real estate agent.
As the summer months approach, many other families will spend more time at swimming pools to stay cool. But while having fun is the goal, safety should be priority No. 1, experts said.
"Teaching children to be water safe and water conscious is so important for the simple fact that we live on an island," said Kilohana Moa, aquatics coordinator at Central YMCA at Ala Moana. "We are surrounded by water and in order to enjoy the many benefits to living in Hawai'i, people — not just children — should learn to swim."
There are other benefits to swim classes, such as building awareness, confidence and character, said Linda Fujihara, sports and aquatics coordinator with recreation support services for the city Department of Parks and Recreation.
"It's fun and good exercise," Fujihara added. "Learning to swim is like riding a bike: Once you learn, you'll never forget."
In addition to having her son take swimming classes, Stice — who has a pool at home — is also ensuring James' safety by installing a gate around her pool and investing in rescue equipment, including a shepherd's hook and life preserver.
Are you a parent who wants to know where to take a swim class, how to keep your family safe at the pool or what the latest pool toys are for the kiddies? Check out our tips.
Step 1: LEARN TO SWIM
The No. 1 way to stay safe in and around a swimming pool is to learn to swim, according to the American Red Cross. So take a class! Among organizations that offer lessons to children and/or adults:
All Aquatics: www.allaquatics.org or 754-0268
American Red Cross Hawai'i State Chapter: www.hawaiiredcross.org or 734-2101
Aulea Swim Club: www.aulea.org or 263-7946
City and County of Honolulu swimming pools and programs: www.co.honolulu.hi.us/parks/programs/
Leahi Swim School (www.leahi swimschool.com): Honolulu, 988-7146 or Pearl City, 456-4506
Nancy Wilcox Your Pool Swim School: 395-7439
The Oahu Club: www.theoahuclub.com or 395-3300
Patricia Lancaster Swim School: 261-1982
Swim Hawai'i's "Super Swim: Beyond Beginning Swimming" class: www.swimhawaii.com or 734-3430
University of Hawai'i Swim Camp: www.uhathletics.hawaii.edu or 956-7510
YMCA (www.ymcahonolulu.org): Central YMCA, 941-3344; Kaimuki-Wai'alae YMCA, 737-5544; Leeward YMCA, 671-6495; Mililani YMCA, 625-1040; Nu'uanu YMCA, 536-3556; and Windward YMCA, 261-0808
YWCA (www.ywcaoahu.org): Kokokahi YWCA, 247-2124 or Laniakea YWCA, 538-7061
Step 2: BE SAFE
Parents and keiki should follow these safety tips at public and private pools:
Sources: City Department of Parks and Recreation, Central YMCA at Ala Moana, American Academy of Pediatrics and American Red Cross
Step 3: HAVE FUN!
Safety at the pool is key, but don't forget to have fun, too. SwimWays, a recreational water products manufacturer, offers its newest pool toys in time for summer. Products are available at Kmart, Sam's Club, Sports Authority, Toys R Us, Wal-Mart and other retailers. Call for availability; prices may vary among stores. For details, visit www.swimways.com:
1) Submergency ($19.99) — Disarm it before time runs out. Dive, search and deactivate for exciting underwater play. Players can adjust Submergency to float, sink and even suspend in between. For ages 6 and older.
2) Toypedo ($14.99) — A kid-powered pool toy designed to propel in the water like a nuclear submarine. Available in bright colors and graphics, and in a variety of sizes with multiple underwater actions. For ages 5 and older.
3) Rainbow Reef ($9.99-$14.99) — Create a virtual coral reef in your swimming pool with realistic swimming fish, including an angel fish, puffer or light-up lion fish. For ages 5 and older.
4) Battle Shark ($14.99) — Six all-new action designs with intensified high-speed swimming action. For ages 5 and older.
5) Baby Spring Float Activity Center ($29.99) — Octopus arms hold toys baby can touch and activate: soft star, fish teether, stacking rings and water-squirting puffer. A three-position adjustable, removable canopy offers UV protection. Carry/storage bag is included. For ages 9 to 24 months.
Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com.
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