Save a Life: Give the Gift of Swimming This Holiday Season

November 29, 2016 Written by: Nick Luisi

Learning how to swim can be fun, but it can also be a matter of safety and protection.

That’s why children in Australia’s province of Victoria will be required to show swimming proficiency and demonstrate swimming survival skills starting next year, according to an article posted by Swimming World. “Each student must earn the Victoria Water Safety Certificate, which shows proof of swimming ability, water safety knowledge and rescue skills,” the article says.

Swimming pool owners can learn a thing or two from Victoria’s education officials. Accidental drownings are a real concern, but can be preventable if the right precautions are taken. That’s why homeowners who have a pool or plan to build a pool should ensure that anybody in the household or who plans to use it knows how to swim—and swim well. Other safety precautions include installing a pool cover and having everyone in the household learn CPR.

The holiday season is the perfect time to encourage swimming pool safety for your loved ones. Swimming lessons make a great gift—and there are plenty of places that offer indoor lessons throughout the Chicagoland area.

When you are struggling to come up with a unique Christmas or Chanukah gift idea for your spouse or kids, remember: Give them the gift of swimming. In the end, it could save a life.