Did you know that drowning is the second most common cause of child death? Did you know that nine out of ten children who drown are under adult supervision when it happens? I can't say I'm surprised. Appalled, yes. Surprised, no. I've seen parents at the playground. Their kids so far away, out of sight, while they chat on their cell phones. We've become an absentee culture. Not there when it matters most. Heartbreaking.
Damian is going to start swim lessons soon. I'll be in the water with him during free play time. You better believe it.
Posted by Tamar at May 28, 2004 11:01 PMGood for you! I think you'll both have a lot of fun in the water together.
I thought I should let you know - I linked to this post on my blog. I was commenting about the whole concept of over-protective/just-protective-enough. It occured to me just now to wonder how you might take it.
For the record, I don't consider you getting into the water with your son to be over-protective.
But I don't do it myself. I'm too busy enjoying my chance to chat with the other moms, and knitting, and I know my son is a pretty good swimmer. And there's two lifeguards at the pool. I sit at poolside and I keep half an eye on him, but not more than that.
It raises his chances of drowning, yes. But this is one area where I'm comfortable taking that chance. If I wasn't - then I'd be in the pool with him.
I hope Damian has a great time in his swim lessons!