This is a repost from last summer, I think it is important infomation for all.

Tonight I took a mandatory water safety course for the summer rec. program and boy was it interesting!! Here are a few facts: * In NH the number one killer is drownings. * It will only take 20-30 seconds for a child to go under the water. * People who are drowning do NOT wave their arms and scream for help. On the contrary they basically bob up and down and look like they are playing in the water!! * People automatically reach up and toss their hair back from their eyes when their heads are out of the water. If someone is drowning they will have hair in their eyes, because their main function is trying to breathe. * If someone is drowning do NOT go in and try to rescue them, unless you are a certified lifeguard. Instead you need to find something to haul them in with like a long stick, a rope with a bouy, ect.... It may sound cruel, but if you do try to rescue them you will get pulled down and many times two people will drown. * "Swimmies" are very dangerous and give a false sense of security and should be tossed. * Those new bathing suits that have the "life jackets" built in are NOT effective to help prevent drownings. They are not coastguard certified and do NOT flip the child over onto his/her back but instead keep them face first in the water. * More boys drown then girls and even at the age of 18 and up!!   These are just a handful of things that I learned at the wonderful class. I encourage every parent out there to take a water safety course, it is well worth it.