Self Rescue
What is Self Rescue
Self rescue was founded in 1966 by Dr. Harvey Barnett. As an active lifeguard with a passion for water safety, Barnett witnessed the tragic aftermath when a neighbour’s child drowned. At that moment, he vowed to do everything possible to help prevent drowning. His technique is the foundation of our approach. Self rescue is a child’s ability to independently roll onto their back and float and breath without panicking, until help arrives or until they can reach a safe point. This life saving course is not regular swimming lessons, however, once a child learns to roll over and stay afloat, relax and breathe whenever air is needed, they can really swim, conquer fear and experience the joy of water! It’s not just about being comfortable in the water, it’s about being able to swim and survive!
Why Self Rescue
Give your child the competence, confidence and skills of aquatic safety with our carefully constructed lessons. We teach water initiation lessons from as young as 6 weeks old, helping babies enjoy the natural habitat of water through a strong bond with their parents in the water. Infants from 6 months to 6 years can be taught the self rescue techniques, setting them up for a lifetime of fun, confidence and safety in the water. It is also proven that this technique helps a child’s development blossom with better concentration, improved motor skills and an all round more positive approach to life.
Holistic approach
Children of the water’s teachings are all about learning and growing together in the water. We came from water and are made from water. Our guidance is not just to teach your child how to swim and survive in the water.
Through trust, devotion and courage, your child and yourself will learn how to approach life challenges by overcoming fear. Water transmutes energy and is therefore the perfect place to work with emotions that may arise.
So be prepared for a possible life changing experience and for your child to own these wonderful survival skills in the water!
How do we teach babies who cannot talk?
Swimming and floating are motor skills that are taught through repetitive exercise, along with gentle verbal encouragement. We will show them what we want them to do, and over a short period of time, they will learn the skills necessary to survive. We will use a variety of methods, combining the best ideas from swim schools, infant/toddler programs throughout the world. Our goal is to make learning fun so that your child will love being in the water!
The sad facts/what we know
There are an estimated 360,000 accidental drowning accidents worldwide, and the number one victims are children and infants, including children who can swim.
Drowning is the number one cause of accidental death for infants and young children between the ages of 1-4. If they knew how to recuse themselves this number could be drastically reduced.
It is estimated that more than 85% of drowning cases can be prevented by enforcing the right methods, including Self Rescue.
Children are instinctively drawn to water. Drowning can occur in as little as 1 inch of water. A child will lose consciousness approximately 2 minutes after submersion. Irreversible brain damage occurs after 4-6 minutes.
Pool alarms, secure barriers and adult supervision are all preventative but watching your children is not enough to protect them from every hazardous water situation. Teaching children self rescue skills provides an extra layer of protection. Learning to roll onto their backs and float unassisted is crucial for survival.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help prevent the tragedy of drowning through education, training and fun, and help those around the world who would otherwise not have the opportunity to learn these life saving skills.
Our end goal is to make sure that EVERY child becomes a safe, happy and confident swimmer!
Children of the Water Foundation
Children of the Water Foundation brings these life saving skills to under privileged communities around the world. Teaching local children self rescue techniques that will help save their lives in potentially fatal drowning accidents.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help prevent the tragedy of drowning through education, training and fun, and help those around the world who would otherwise not have the opportunity to learn these life saving skills.
Our end goal is to make sure that EVERY child becomes a safe, happy and confident swimmer!
Children of the Water Foundation
Children of the Water Foundation brings these life saving skills to under privileged communities around the world. Teaching local children self rescue techniques that will help save their lives in potentially fatal drowning accidents.