Social Services Newsletter - Summer 2023
Summer Water Safety
Summer has arrived and this means swimming season is here! It's time to brush up on some water safety. Swimming is one of the most popular summer activities for children, but it's important to remember that drowning is a real threat.
Here are some suggestions for keeping your children safe:
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children over the age of one may be at lower risk of drowning if they have had some formal swimming instruction.
St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation offers free swim lessons for individuals who qualify for fee assistance.
Learn more: www.stpeteparksrec.org/swimlessons/
Other than preparing kids with lessons, we've gathered some helpful water safety tips to keep everyone happy and healthy all summer long.
- Always ensure that there is adult supervision when children are swimming. Never leave a child alone in or near the water.
- Avoid pool drains and breath-holding games.
- Learn CPR.
- Never use water wings and pool toys as life jackets.
- Have each child ages four and older complete a swimming program.
- Enforce rules such as no running, pushing people in or dunking other swimmers.
Fun in the Sun Activities
Here are some free summer fun ideas:
- City of St. Pete Pools - Learn more: www.stpeteparksrec.org/pools
- Free Summer Bowling at Sunrise Lanes and Ten Pins Lanes - You must register at: www.kidsbowlfree.com
- St. Pete Pier - Let the little ones play in the splash pad fountains, have fun at the Glazer Family Playground, go for a swim at Spa Beach, and check out the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center.
Visit these sites for more ideas: