Football is Life

This past summer, I started something that combined my love for swimming with my passion for helping others: a program to teach toddlers water and pool survival skills at my neighborhood community pool.

Why Water Safety Matters

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death among young children. Even in shallow water, toddlers can be at risk if they don’t know how to react. I’ve seen firsthand how quickly a fun day at the pool can turn dangerous when kids don’t have the basic skills to protect themselves. That’s why I wanted to do more than just swim laps — I wanted to give families in my community peace of mind.

The Methods I Used

Toddlers learn differently than older kids, so my approach was built on patience, repetition, and making each lesson feel like play. Some of the skills I focused on included:

• Back floating: Teaching toddlers to roll onto their backs and float to breathe if they ever fall in.
• Wall safety: Showing them how to grab the pool wall and hold on until help arrives.
• Kicking and paddling: Simple movements that can help them move toward safety.
• Comfort in water: Splashing, blowing bubbles, and short submersions to build confidence without fear.

I emphasized calm, step-by-step teaching. Every small success was celebrated so the kids felt proud rather than scared.

My Background and Preparation

Running this program wasn’t something I jumped into blindly. I’ve been on a swim team for many years, which gave me a strong foundation in technique and safety. I also earned CPR certification, so I was trained to respond in emergencies. On top of that, I’d already been teaching my younger siblings the same survival skills — so I knew how to adapt my lessons for very young learners.

What I Learned

This experience taught me that water safety is as much about confidence as it is about technique. The toddlers weren’t just learning survival skills — they were learning to trust themselves in the water. For me, it was rewarding to see shy, hesitant kids transform into little swimmers who could float, kick, and grab the wall with ease.

Looking Ahead

I plan to continue and grow this program, because teaching kids these skills early makes a lifelong difference. Parents often thanked me, not just for teaching their children, but for giving them peace of mind every time they brought their toddlers to the pool.

For me, it was more than a summer project — it was a chance to use my own training and experience to make my community safer, one toddler at a time.