April is Adult Learn-to-Swim Month!

Swim For Your Life

If you’ve never learned how to swim—you’re not alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 37 percent of American adults can’t swim the length of a pool. If you’re in that 37 percent, then you’re at risk for becoming one of the 8 to 10 people who drown every day in the U.S.

If you’ve put off learning how to swim because you think you’re too old, or not at risk, think again. You’re never too old to learn this lifesaving skill, and drowning can occur anywhere.

Now in its second year, the “April is Adult Learn-to-Swim Month” campaign from the Swimming Saves Lives Foundation and U.S. Masters Swimming continues as pools, lakes, and beaches start opening for the warmer months.

USMS has also launched its Adult Learn-to-Swim Instructor Certification Program for adults who want to teach other adults how to swim.

“Teaching adults requires a different approach than teaching kids, so we’re going after this problem on two fronts: bringing awareness and training instructors” says Rob Butcher, USMS’s executive director.

To learn more or find an adult learn-to-swim program in your area, visit usms.org/learntoswim.