I am very excited to update you on the development of my new “Water Smart 101 DVD!”  After presenting this water safety lesson to nearly 10,000 children last year, and over 30,000 children in the past 4 years, I have tweaked it to the point that I can’t wait to share it with you.  We [...]

According to SafeKids Worldwide, 50% – 90% of all drownings and near-drownings in backyard pools would be prevented if a four-sided isolation fence was installed. Amazingly, also according to SafeKids Worldwide, only four states (CA, AZ, FL, and OR) require some type of fencing around residential pools.   FENCING SHOULD BE MANDATORY IN EVERY STATE.   Don’t [...]

Last night one of my instructors got this question/comment from a parent: “I don’t see why she has to learn to breathe to the side… I think it’s just fine to breathe to front.” Wow!   That just shows why the majority of our swim lessons participants are “beginners” and not near enough parents know enough, [...]

Today’s blog is a response to a post against the use of Life jackets and Flotation devices.  Here are my thoughts: First off, Life Jackets save lives. An absolute MUST for non-swimmers in residential pools and lakes, especially if they are not within arm’s reach of an adult.  I think most would agree that a [...]

Today’s blog is to announce a podcast that I just recorded and published with one purpose: To reach as many parents as possible and potentially save the life of a child. The purpose of the podcast is not only to prevent unnecessary drowning and teach water safety, but to prevent and recognize how devastating nonfatal, [...]

One of the most frustrating things for parents, swim teachers, and swim school owners to deal during Summer Swim Lessons is thunderstorms.  Parents get mad when we cancel, parents get mad when we don’t.  As a parent, I am certainly sympathetic.  I know how hard it is to get my three children in the car, go to the pool, [...]

2010 DROWNING PREVENTION AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.— April 21, 2010 The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) recognized national and community drowning prevention leaders on April 26, 2010 at the NDPA’s 9th Annual National Drowning Prevention Symposium at the Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh, PA. Cecilia Duer will receive the 2010 National Lighthouse Award, [...]

I will be heading up to my home state of Pennsylvania next weekend to attend the 9th Annual Drowning Prevention Symposium on April 26th and April 27th.  Many of my friends know that I am a Johnstown, PA native and did my undergraduate work at California University of PA, not to mention that I spent [...]

You are going to absolutely love our upcoming latest addition to Swim Lessons University. It our brand new “paperless” Swim Proficiency & Water Safety Awards System.  Here’s a brief summary of how it works: Each child gets a silicone bracelet (Lance Armstrong type) which features 6 major skills that he or she will be working [...]

Listen, 1x per week of swimming lessons is clearly 100% better than ZEROx per week, and 1x per week is a great way to maintain swimming skills over the winter and certainly make some improvement. However, IF you increase the frequency of swim lessons/practice from 1x per week to 2x per week you will CLEARLY [...]