During summer, we hear more stories of child drownings and near drownings than we’d like. But this story isn’t about drowning at all! In fact, it’s a story about a very talented 16-month old girl, who, with her amazing swimming ability, has captured the virtual world by storm.
If you haven’t seen the video you will probably be amazed to see little Elizabeth in her a local pool. Because like a little fish, she skillfully swims across the pool, stopping every so often to turn on her back and take breath, just like she’s been taught.
Elizabeth was taught how to swim by an experienced lifeguard and a registered nurse with pediatric swim training experience. He says that she’s a “very determined little girl,” and very keen on swimming. So much so that Elizabeth actually shocked him when she decided to swim all the way across the pool.
“Elizabeth is a very determined little girl and sometimes she wants to roll over and breathe as she was taught and sometimes she wants to hold her breath the whole way,” he said on the video’s YouTube page.
“At no point do we force our child to do anything she is unwilling to try,” he said. “We are able to recognize infant/toddler fatigue in the swimming pool.”
And, of course, there are some very important safety precautions in place, just in case something does go wrong.
“I was 100% prepared to jump in at first sign of distress,” he said.
And, it sounds as if safety was the main reason behind taught his daughter how to swim.
“Please watch some of the other videos I’ve posted of her swimming and spread the word,” he said. “Teach your child how to swim because it only takes a moment for them to slip under and drown. Sometimes the difference between life and death can be six inches of water and their ability to flip over on their back and take a breath.”
However, he issues a warning to other parents wishing to teach (or have their children taught) how to swim.
“Please! Do not just throw your child in the water and expect them to swim,” he said. “That is both dangerous and a quick way to traumatize your child and scare them from ever swimming. ISR uses specialized techniques in training infants and toddlers.”
Related Articles:
- Incredible Dads Deserve Awesome Presents!
- Home Environment Influences Child’s Obesity Risk, Study Says
- Breastfed Babies Less Anxious and More Likely to Remain Socially Connected, Study Says
Thank you for featuring my daughter on your website and for spreading the word. The more people know about having their children taught to swim the more lives we can save.
You are so welcome, Adam! Thank you for sharing your daughter with the world! We were happy to share it.
I currently live in Oklahoma, but am from Arizona, where you hear of drownings all year round, and it’s tragic. I didn’t hear of ISR until last year, when my children were a bit older, but I think it’s an amazing concept and a wonderful safety precaution for all parents to consider.