Oklahoma swim instructors urge water safety for kids this summer

As Oklahomans dive into the heart of summer, experts are urging families to prioritize swimming safety for young children.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for children ages 1 to 4.

Anna Allen, with Miller Swim School in Jenks, says one of the best ways to prevent tragedy is by enrolling kids in swim lessons at an early age, and staying consistent with them.

“It’s honestly not just swim lessons that save lives,” Allen said. “It’s the consistency of them. Swimming is so muscle memory-based. If we don’t continue to refresh and hit those safety skills, kiddos start to regress and lose those skills.”

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Starting Swim Lessons as Early as 4 Months Old

At Miller Swim School, babies as young as 4 months old can begin learning key survival techniques, such as floating on their backs, rolling to breathe, and swimming toward safety.

For Allen, swim safety is personal. She says those same lessons likely saved the life of her cousin, who fell into a pond as a toddler.

“If it weren’t for her starting so young and hitting those safety skills like back floating, she might not be here with us today,” Allen said.

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Confidence in the Water Saves Lives

Jenks mom Kerrie Dodd has been bringing her son to swim lessons for over seven years. She says she’s noticed a real difference in his ability and confidence.

“His confidence and ability in the water is far better than I would say a lot of his peers,” Dodd said. “Many of them might know how to swim, but I know that my son is safe in the water.”

Instructors at Miller Swim School tailor lessons to different ages and skill levels, with one-on-one attention and consistent technique training. Allen says the goal is to create lifelong swimming habits that extend far beyond summer vacation.

For families heading to lakes or rivers, instructors stress the importance of USCG-approved life jackets, and they recommend bright colors for better visibility in murky water.

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Other water safety coverage:

1. Staying Safe On Oklahoma's Waters: Swimming, Boating, & Water Safety
2. Water Safety: Tips for staying safe on the water and how to prevent drownings
3. Oklahoma lake and river safety tips from GRDA