Instructor of the Week

This week's instructor of the week is Jillian Gicana!  Jillian currently attends Elkins High School and will be a Junior this coming fall.  She is a member of the Elkins Varsity team, and a member of First Colony Swim Team.  Jillian is a ver knowledgeable instructor and always does a good time handling her classes.  She is reliable, resourceful, and positive in all of her lessons.  Well done, Jillian!  Glad to have you on our team.

Not All Goggles are Created Equal

Not all goggles are created equal.  If you are an experienced swimmer, you know this to be true.  You probably have a favorite make or model of goggles.  If you've been swimming long enough, you might have a pair of over-worn or "vintage" goggles that you refuse to part with, due to the fact that the specific model has been discontinued (RIP Speedo Aquaracers, circa 2007) and, let's be honest, you're a bit nostalgic.

Perhaps you or your child are new to swimming.  You might be of the opinion that goggles are torture devices, designed to pinch your nose and squish your eyes, and no matter how much you tighten the straps, water still gets inside the eyes sockets.  Well, here's a thought:  Not all goggles are created equal.  Yep, it's true.  In fact, you probably have the wrong goggles to fit you or your child's face.

Here are some great resources on finding the right goggles for you or your child:
http://m5coff.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Pick-the-Best-Goggles-for-Your-Child
http://swim.isport.com/swimming-guides/choosing-swimming-goggles

Instructor of the Week

This is Emma Miller's first summer with Sugar Land Swim School, but we are more than happy to have her on our team!  Emma will begin her junior year at Elkins High School this fall, and is a member of the Elkins swim team.  Her positive and up-beat personality make all of her lessons productive and fun.  No matter what ages or levels her classes may be, Emma makes the most of each lesson.  Thank you, Emma for all of your hard work!  Well done!

I Spy a Drowning Child

Yes, this topic has been addressed multiple times on our blog...but it is honestly difficult to overstate the importance of being able to identify a drowning child.  They will not scream.  They will not wave their arms above the water.  They will not be actively trying to get your attention.  They will be trying to survive; trying to breathe by keeping their mouth near the surface.  The following video illustrates just how easy it is to miss a drowning child when scanning the pool for danger.  Keep your kids safe this summer!

http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/story/25583480/investigators-drowning-is-silent

Instructor of the Week

This week's instructor highlight goes to Simi Moirangthem!  Simi is a recent graduate of Austin High School.  She will begin studying at the University of Texas in Dallas this coming fall.  Simi is one of our private lesson instructors.  She is a veteran swim instructor at Sugar Land Swim School, and is a very dedicated, interactive, and positive instructor.  Simi always has a smile on her face, makes a point to encourage each of her swimmers during their lessons, and always makes the most of each lesson.  Well done, Simi!  We are so glad to have you on our team.

Sunshine and Sunscreen

Well, summer is fully upon us!  School is out.  Children are everywhere.  The pools are open!  Birds are singing.  Dogs are barking.  There is plenty fun to be had out of doors under the hot, blazing, Texas sun.  Whether you or your family are out riding bikes, flying kites, picking daises, playing catch (or maybe even fetch with Fido), be sure to apply some sunscreen before heading outside!  Not only are sunburns painful, but they increase an individual's chance of developing skin cancer later in life.

For more facts about how, when, and what kind of sunscreen to apply, see the following:
http://www.myfoxhouston.com/story/12516063/sunscreen-facts-you-need-to-know

http://www.parents.com/kids/safety/outdoor/5-steps-to-sun-safety-for-kids/

http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/sun_safety.html

Be safe.  Have fun!  Use sunscreen.

Instructor of the Week

Time for another instructor of the week!  This is Sidney Tolani's first summer with Sugar Land Swim School.  During the May lessons, Sidney stepped in multiple times as a sub instructor.  She is good at keeping even the rowdiest students seated amidst lessons.  Her firm tone of voice, genuine smile, and determination to involve every student in her lessons makes Sidney an incredible instructor.  Well done Sidney!!  So glad you are a part of our team.

Water Watchers and Pool Safety

Drowning is a potential danger in any swimming environment, especially when young or inexperienced swimmers are in the water.  Usually drowning is silent, the individual will be vertical in the water with their mouth just under the surface of the water, arms and legs attempting to tread water in an attempt to access air.  Most drowning incidents occur at parties, events, or crowded pools where lifeguards are not present. To minimize risk, one or more individuals can be designated as "Water Watchers."  More information on Water Watchers and pool safety in the video below:

http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/25624377/2014/05/27/pool-safety-experts-most-drownings-are-silent-no-screams-or-splashing