[PhoenixAzul]

1) Can you swim?
2) How is it that people drown because they can't swim? Meaning, it doesn't seem too terribly difficult to at least tread water - plus, we're born able to swim.

1) Yes I can. I am a triathlete, competitive swimmer, and a lifeguard and swim instructor.

2) Drowning often DOESNT happen because people *can't* swim. Drowning happens usually because a swimmer overestimates his/her ability, over/under estimates the depth of the water, enters in an inproper fashion (i.e. headfirst in water where you can't see the bottom), or has been consuming alcohol. Most drownings or aquatic emergencies happen in water UNDER 10 ft. deep. Most children who are learning to swim will bob till they can stand on their tippy toes, and due to drifting..they will go slightly out of their reach, go under, and panic. They forget how to swim and resort to the "instinct" of pushing their arms up and down to get their head out of the water at any costs (that's why on TV people who are drowning don't just slip under the water).

I agree that teaching children PROPER swimming technique as early as possible is KEY to getting them to be profficient swimmers. The importance of getting kids to PUT THEIR FACE IN THE WATER!! Cannot be stressed enough. Head in the water= proper body position and improved floatation! Head out of the water means that the hips/legs/bum is pointed at the bottom of the pool, acting like a sandbag and making swimming exhausting.

Also, knowing how to swim as a parent should be important too, not only so you set a good example, but in case your child is ever in an emergency.