May is Water Safety Awareness Month, so we're taking a dive into some aquatics programming and opportunities to learn about safety provided through Morgan Hill Parks and Recreation!
Learning to swim is not only great for recreation but it's also a lifesaving skill. According to the American Red Cross, only 46% of adults can perform all five water basic water safety skills. The five basic water safety skills include 1. Step or jump into the water over your head. 2. Return to the surface and float or tread water for one minute. 3. Turn around in a full circle and find an exit. 4. Swim 25 yards to the exit without stopping. 5. Exit from the water. If in a pool, be able to exit without using the ladder. May is the perfect month to vow to improve your water safety skills through classes and trainings. The Centennial Recreation Center and Morgan Hill Aquatics Center offer swim lessons year round. Registration is currently open for the summer season at www.mhreconline.com!
Water Safety Awareness Month is also a reminder to always supervise children when they are near water. By taking the necessary precautions, you can help keep yourself and others safe while enjoying all that water has to offer. Another programming opportunity this year is Morgan Hill Parks and Recreation's Junior Lifeguard Program. The Junior Lifeguard Program emphasizes Teamwork, Leadership, and Aquatic Safety while introducing young people to aquatic recreation opportunities. The program is designed to provide quality water safety education while improving young people's physical conditioning, their understanding of pool facilities, and their respect for themselves, their parents, and their peers. No certifications will be issued. Prerequisite: Freestyle with side breathing (50 meters) and treading water (2 minutes).
Lifeguards play an incredible role in water safety. The City of Morgan Hill is looking for Lifeguards. If you're interested in a rewarding, flexible job look no further than becoming a lifeguard! You'll be responsible for watching activities in and around the pool, enforcing regulations to ensure safety, and rescuing swimmers in distress. It’s a perfect job for college students, semi-retired people, or parents with daytime availability while your kids are in school. The next American Red Cross Lifeguarding course takes place May 27th, 28th , and 29th! Register online at www.mhreconline.com.
Why Water? There are so many benefits to swimming and water exercise. Did you know that swimming is not only a great way to stay physically active, but a great way to exercise your brain, too? Swimming and Aqua fitness can help increase neuroplasticity. For those who play brain games to keep themselves sharp, studies have shown that doing an activity while engaging your brain produces better results. It’s even more effective when the activity is in water! What's your favorite water activity? Let us know! We can't wait to hear from you!