NBC 8 Honolulu Hawaii KHNL

Kai, HI - Feb. 17, 2009 - Drowning is the leading cause of death for young kids in the islands. But now, young children are learning skills that could save their lives. But now kids as young as six months old are learning the skills to save themselves. "At 6 months of age they are developmentally ready to roll over and float, and we can teach them to hold their breath under water open their eyes, rotate and float," said Jens Trumpa, instructor for Infant Swimming Resource.
During an intensive 4-6 week course, that takes place 5 days a week babies and children learn first how to float, then how to swim to safety. The kids learn the lessons in bathing suits, but eventually they'll also practice the same lessons fully dressed in regular clothes. "Most accidents of drowning occur when they are fully clothed so if it happens, they will be like 'ok I've done this before, I know what to do',"said Trumpa.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• aquatic
• survival
• baby
• swimming
• infant
• infantswim