End the Misinformation and Make a Change
Pool Safety, Survival Swim
When we began serving the Katy community in 2004, we made a commitment to providing area children in Katy, Houston, Fulshear, and Cypress with the skill set to be safe in the water through survival swim lessons. We’ve put in the work to ensure the way we teach our students and the aquatic safety measures we share on our platform align with what is truly best for children of all ages to prevent pediatric drownings.
The National Drowning Prevention Alliance, in partnership with Nicole Hughes, has launched the “End the Misinformation” campaign in an effort to implore retailers to stop selling flotation devices like puddle jumpers marketed as safe alternatives to proper swim lessons and parental supervision. The product packaging includes language like “Learn to swim easily,” and “Parents can finally enjoy peace of mind,” which provides parents with grossly false assumptions regarding their child’s safety in the water.
Nicole’s son Levi drowned while on a family vacation in June 2018. He had been using a puddle jumper earlier in the day when they were swimming, but he drowned later in the day during a non-swim time. Nicole has remained an advocate for change on the critical issue of puddle jumpers since then, and we’ve had the privilege of working alongside Nicole to continue to share the message regarding the dangers of puddle jumpers.
End the Misinformation
We invite you to take the time to watch this important video from the NDPA and Nicole Hughes and then sign the open letter to make a major change happen that changes the marketing language that is used on websites, packaging, and promotional materials. Drowning is preventable, and by changing how items like puddle jumpers are sold, we can make a difference.
At the end of the day, one of the most important layers of protection, aside from survival swimming lessons, is parental supervision. Drowning in Katy, Houston, Fulshear, and Cypress does not discriminate. It can happen to anyone at any time. But drowning is preventable. Being present when your child is in or around water is invaluable. Whether they are advanced swimmers or are working through their survival swimming lessons right now, parents should be engaged and focused on their children. No smart devices, no phones, no books, and no side conversations. Give your child your full undivided attention during their time in the water.
If you do use puddle jumpers with your child, it’s time to stop. Puddle jumpers provide a false sense of security for both your child and yourself, and the only thing that can come out of that isn’t good. Enroll your child in proper survival swim lessons and give them the skills they need to be able to get themselves to safety should the unthinkable happen. There is no substitute for proper swim lessons.
Your Katy Survival Swim Experts
There is nothing more important than your child’s safety. From car seats to seat belt usage to food choices and more, parents spend so much time researching products and listening to their doctors about what to do and how to properly give their kids what they need. Survival swim lessons in Katy, Houston, Fulshear, and Cypress are no different. They can save a child’s life. They give them a strong foundation to be safe in the water. They instill confidence in the water that will be used throughout their lifetime. Give us a call to learn more about Texas Swim Academy and our survival swim program today.
FAQs About Puddle Jumpers in Katy
1. Does Texas Swim Academy recommend using puddle jumpers for young children?
No, Texas Swim Academy does not endorse the use of puddle jumpers or any flotation devices as substitutes for swim lessons. Puddle jumpers create a false sense of security leaving children unsafe. Texas Swim Academy encourages parents to enroll in survival swim lessons to ensure their children build real confidence and competence in the water.
*A Coast Guard-approved life jacket should be used on boats and in lakes, rivers, or any body of water where you can’t see the bottom, or where currents are unpredictable.
2. Why do puddle jumpers make it harder for a child to learn how to swim?
Relying on puddle jumpers not only delays a child’s progress in learning to swim, but it also puts them in danger. These devices keep children in an upright position, which goes against proper swimming techniques and can hinder their transition to effective swimming skills. Texas Swim Academy advises avoiding puddle jumpers completely to help children learn correct body positioning from the start.
*A Coast Guard-approved life jacket should be used on boats and in lakes, rivers, or any body of water where you can’t see the bottom, or where currents are unpredictable.
3. Why are professional swim lessons better than flotation devices like puddle jumpers?
There is no replacement for proper swim lessons. Texas Swim Academy’s survival swim program focuses on teaching children essential skills such as breath control, kicking, and floating, without any flotation aids. These skills provide real water safety and build confidence. Unlike puddle jumpers, which create dependency, swim lessons develop a child’s ability to swim independently.
*A Coast Guard-approved life jacket should be used on boats and in lakes, rivers, or any body of water where you can’t see the bottom, or where currents are unpredictable.
4. Why are survival swimming lessons important for families in Katy, Houston, Fulshear, and Cypress?
In these areas, where many homes and communities have pools and lakes. Survival swimming lessons provide critical skills that could one day save a child’s life. Lessons from Texas Swim Academy equip children to handle water emergencies confidently, offering peace of mind for parents, grandparents, and caregivers.
5. How do I enroll my child in swimming lessons?
Enrollment is easy! Simply visit our website or contact us directly to secure your child’s spot in our swimming classes today.
SWIM SCHOOL IN KATY
Texas Swim Academy is the best swim school near me offering result-oriented swimming lessons in Katy that cater to all ages and abilities. Our well-trained and experienced swimming instructors provide a variety of programs for infants through adulthood. For the little ones, we offer swimming lessons for babies and swimming lessons for toddlers focused on survival swimming skills to build a strong water safety foundation and foster water confidence at a young age. Once your child knows how to swim, our swim lessons for children will help refine techniques and build endurance, as the consistent practice of their swimming skills is an imperative part of becoming a strong swimmer.
Our adaptive aquatics program is designed for children of all ages and abilities to ensure every child, including children on the autism spectrum, can benefit from these fundamental skills and enjoy the water in a safe and comfortable environment. Adults seeking to improve their swimming prowess or learn how to swim for the first time can enroll in adult swim lessons tailored to their specific goals.
Our swim lessons near me are a convenient and accessible way for you and your family to learn how to swim in a comfortable environment. Our dedicated instructors are passionate about teaching and ensuring your progress in the water. Take a few minutes to view Our Swimmer Stories to learn more about what other families are saying about their experience with Texas Swim Academy.
Contact us to learn more about our programs or stop by our state-of-the-art swimming facility in Katy to register today. Be sure to follow our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages for important news, updates, and swimming safety tips, and read our blog to keep up-to-date with important information on water safety and proper swimming lessons.