The City of Mason encourages all residents to learn how to be safe in the water. Mason’s Safe Swimmer program ensures your swimming skills help you be a safe and competent swimmer and provides awareness to the importance of swim safety for all ages.
The indoor pools at Mason Community Center and the new Mason Municipal Aquatic Center, with a leisure pool and enclosed 50-meter pool, will provide the opportunity for the City of Mason to expand aquatic offerings and teach our community members how to be confident when around water.
According to the CDC nearly 3,960 fatal unintentional drownings, an average of 11 fatal drownings per day, and 8,080 nonfatal drownings occur every year in the United States. Drowning can happen very quickly and silently but can often be prevented with good planning and preparedness. Learning about safe behavior on and around the water and gaining or improving swim skills can assist in drowning prevention.
America’s Navy has five skills to ensure water competency for swimming safely. “Less than half of American children can swim safely. It’s time to change that.” Water Safety Navy.com
Start testing your skills at the Community Center Competition pool and once the enclosed 50-meter pool opens, individuals can take their test in the 50-meter pool. To pass the Safe Swimmer program, you will need to be able to safely complete the below skills.
- Jump into water over your head and submerge your entire body.
- Surface the water for breath and float or tread water for one minute.
- After treading water for one minute, turn around in a full circle in the water to find an exit.
- Swim 25 yards to the edge of the pool without stopping. You can utilize whichever stroke is most comfortable for you.
- Safely exit the water without a ladder.
Register here to test your skills through the Safe Swimmer Program. Please call 513.229.8555 for more information or questions. If you need help learning or developing these skills, please contact the Community Center to enroll in a Mason Swim Academy group or private class.
WATER SAFETY
The City of Mason is committed to helping enhance a culture of swimming safety. Mason’s Swim Academy provides education on necessary skills to be safe in and around different bodies of water. The Academy also guides inexperienced swimmers on appropriate safety equipment to use while swimming. Below are a few additional tips to ensure you and your family enjoy the water safely.
SUPERVISE Be the lifeguard for your own party by being actively engaged and putting phones or other distractions away. Drowning can be a silent act and it is important to stay vigilant. Teach children to ask permission to get in the water. It’s strongly encouraged that parents or guardians stay within an arm’s reach of children while in the pool.
NEVER SWIM ALONE Adults and children should use the buddy system when swimming in the pool or open waters. Take a friend or responsible adult with you who is a strong swimmer, even if the lifeguard is around.
LIFE JACKET Use pool flotation devices for fun, not as life jackets. While these are enjoyable toys, they do not offer the same protection or safety as a life jacket. It’s best to keep U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets available for use. Wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket appropriate for your weight and water activity adds a layer of protection in avoiding drowning incident.
PLAY CAREFULLY Children and teenagers sometimes become rowdy in the water. Wrestling in any body of water can be very dangerous; you could hit your head against the pool wall/floor or not be aware that someone is submerged underwater and needs air. While we all want to have fun in the water, please choose safe and appropriate activities.
KNOW YOURSELF Know your limitations. Always swim in safe area and understand how physical fitness, medical conditions, and cold-water change factors. Stay out of the water when you are very tired, cold, or overheated.
LEARN CPR It is recommended that all parents, guardians, or childcare providers learn CPR. CPR saves lives and can be an integral part in treating a drowning victim. The City of Mason offers CPR classes taught by Mason firefighter/paramedics. You can register for a CPR class through the Mason Community Center by calling 513.229.8555.
LEARN HOW TO SWIM Swimming is not only fun but a lifesaving skill. Learning how to swim is one of the best defenses against drowning and injury. Register here to be a part of the Mason Swim Academy swim lessons.
AVOID ALCOHOL Drink plenty of water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. And refrain from using alcohol. Alcohol use is involved in up to 70% of deaths associated with water recreation for adolescents and adults. Consuming alcohol can slow down the body’s reaction time, impair you senses, and make you feel disoriented while in the water.
STAY SAFE Learn safe ways to assist someone in trouble through simple rescue techniques including reaching and throwing a flotation aid from the water’s edge without entering the water.