By Healthy Knight News reporters | Swimming is a great activity for exercise and fun. But it’s important to learn to swim so you can be safe in and around the water, said Akida Neely, a coach with the legendary Philadelphia Department of Recreation (PDR) swim team.

Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental injury death in the children ages 5 to 14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is important to know that “water accidents can happen quickly and quietly,” the CDC says.

Mrs. Neely urges people to follow several rules to stay safe:

• Never swim alone.
• Obey the rules and regulations at the pool, beach, or lake.
• Make sure a lifeguard is on duty.
• Listen to the lifeguard.

“You can protect yourself and others by practicing proper water safety any time you are around a body of water,” Mrs. Neely said.

She said there are many learn-to- swim programs across Philadelphia and its suburbs, from the YMCA to the Salvation Army Philadelphia Kroc Center. You can find classes through the Red Cross or the Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation.

Did you know?

The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you stay out of the water if you are sick or have an open cut or injury.

You should take a quick shower to rinse off germs before getting in a public pool.

And you should be mindful of those around you, particularly younger kids who might not be strong swimmers.

Illustration by Jaxon, seventh grade, MaST Community Charter, 2023–2024.