Winter Water Safety: It’s Not Just About the Pool

1. Understanding Cold Water Shock

Cold water can be dangerous long before a person loses the ability to swim. Cold Water Shock is the body’s immediate reaction to sudden immersion in cold water. Learning to stay calm, control your breathing, and "Float to Live" are vital skills that can save lives if a child accidentally slips into a cold lake or pond.

Winter clothing is heavy. If a child falls into water wearing a thick puffer jacket and boots, their weight and buoyancy change instantly. At Katie’s Kickers we discuss the importance of staying away from the water's edge when dressed for the cold, as heavy fabrics can make it significantly harder to stay afloat compared to wearing a swimsuit.

While Norfolk rarely sees deep freezes, thin ice can often form on smaller ponds or stagnant water. We teach our students a simple but life-saving rule: Never Walk On Ice! We focus on identifying "hidden" water hazards that might be covered by a thin layer of frost or snow, ensuring children understand that ice in Hampton Roads is never thick enough to be safe.

In the winter, a "dry rescue" is the safest rescue. We teach our swimmers that if they see a friend or a pet in trouble in cold water, they should never jump in after them. Instead, we practice the "Reach or Throw, Don’t Go" method. This involves using a branch, a scarf, or a jug to help the person while staying safely on dry land and calling for help.

Maintaining health is part of safety. Moving from a warm 84-degree pool into a 30-degree Norfolk wind can be a shock to the system. We reinforce the "Safety Exit" routine which involves drying off thoroughly, covering the head with a beanie to prevent heat loss, and ensuring children are bundled up before leaving the building to keep their muscles warm and their immune systems strong.

6. Consistent Skill Retention

The biggest safety risk in winter is "skill fade." When children take months off from swimming, they lose the muscle memory required to save themselves in an emergency. By staying in lessons through January, our swimmers keep their treading, floating, and breathing techniques sharp, ensuring they are always ready for the unexpected.