I have learned the vital importance of spreading the word about this crucial skill these past 2 months as it feels as though lightning has struck twice in a small community of tight-knit families. I think mothers who watch their children grow & acquire this skill in this way somehow feel compelled, almost burdened to share with others about it, not to bring guilt or shame upon anyone who has not had the opportunity to undergo it. The change is very dramatic and mothers want to share that with others they care about & anyone who will listen for that matter.

Because as I have learned to be true, this tragedy of drowning can happen in any household! No matter how very diligent or loving a family, life is full of hazards. I think all mothers agree we want the very best for our children & would do whatever possible to protect them, but no mother can keep our child out of harm’s way 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week for the rest of their lives. Not to be insensitive to anyone who has experienced such a tragedy, because it is just that, a terrible tragedy to lose a young child. Just as it would be to lose a loved one to a drunk-driving incident. But knowing recent families suffering from this specific type of grief, walking that road with them, I believe we would all want any child 6mos-6yrs old to be able to swim, a life-saving skill.

I hope that the recent tragedies will bring with them an awareness of options parents have to help their children. We cannot live in fear. We as parents can only try to continually educate ourselves in how to raise our children & act as we feel best to nurture them & guide them. ISR lessons are a wonderful way to teach children to swim, to potentially save their lives. We must teach a healthy respect for water. Children are fascinated by water. Whether it is simply in a bathtub, a creek, or large swimming pool, or lake, we are drawn to get into it. To play, to laugh, to splash & have fun.

My heart goes out to the families turned upside down with grief from the recent drownings. Many prayers have been said for their hearts to heal & hope to be renewed. That they may feel love & peace which passes all understanding. That they might feel their community of friends & loved ones lifting them up. That their eyes could become fixed upon our Creator, Author, & Perfecter of our faith in the darkest times of their life’s journey.