FWDPS offers summer programs for water safety education

Fort Worth, Texas - As we move into summer, many people start to enjoy swimming in lakes and pools due to the hot weather. Because of this, it's very important to know how to stay safe around water. The Fort Worth Drowning Prevention Coalition (FWDPC) is a group that works hard to educate people about water safety.

The FWDPC has planned many programs for June and July to teach safer swimming habits. These programs will take place at different swimming pools and YMCA centers, according to Dallas Metro News.

Their teaching methods include both classroom learning and practical lessons in the water.

“Our programs are designed to engage the whole family in water safety education and provide multiple layers of protection so you are equipped and empowered to enjoy the water safely,” says the FWDPC website.

The FWDPC also has a "Swim Safe At Home" program. This includes videos that teach families about water safety. If you sign up for a Zoom class, you'll get access to six of these videos.

The FWDPC believes that we can prevent all drowning incidents. The first step to do this is to make sure everyone knows how to stay safe around water.

This issue is very serious. According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS), 20 children have already drowned in Texas this year. Five of these were in North Texas. The drownings happened in many places like ponds, swimming pools, and bathtubs.

The TDFPS advises people to always watch children when they are near water, whether it's inside or outside.

“Never leave a child unsupervised around water, inside or outside of the house,” the TDFPS website says. “It only takes a few minutes for a child to drown.”

To sign up for a class from the Fort Worth Drowning Prevention Center, you can visit their website.