Tomorrow, May 20th is

National Learn to Swim Day.

Hey GEMS: We think this is a great time to think about water safety because lots of pools are getting ready to open for the summer. Yay! We love going to the pool and we hope you do too!

If you haven’t learned to swim yet, don’t be embarrassed. And don’t miss out on the fun! You can learn to swim and have fun with all your friends at the pool this summer! Here’s how to start.

First get used to putting your face in the water, like Mercedes!

Practice in the shower or a sprinkler. Let the water run on your face.

The best way to learn to swim is to take swimming lessons, or have an adult teach you. But here are some things you can do until you can take lessons.  Ask your parent to take you to a pool to practice. Find a pool with a lifeguard, and have an adult stay with you to be sure you are safe.

Things you’ll need:

• Swim goggles will keep the chemicals in the pool water out of your eyes.
• A swim cap will keep your hair out of your face. Or if you have long hair, put it in a braid.

Here are 5 things to practice to learn how to swim.

1. Water Walking

Get in the shallow end and walk around. Get used to the water and how it feels different than walking on land. Start with water at your knees, then go deeper gradually to armpits. At first you may be a little afraid. That’s normal. Don’t worry if this takes a few visits until you’re comfortable going this far into the pool.

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