SWIMMING EDUCATION

Distance swimming under water and hyperventilation. Swimmers trying to beat their own records may black out from holding their breath too long. They may surface semi-conscious and unable to swim. Some swimmers that that rapid, repeated deep breaths will increase the oxygen content of their blood and help them spend longer underwater. This hyperventilation does not increase the oxygen but, by reducing blood levels of carbon dioxide, disrupts respiration and can cause swimmers to lose consciousness.

 Swimming goggles and face masks can be hazardous. They should conform to safety standards. Untempered glass lenses can break and cause serious accidents. This can easily happen if the goggles strike the side, edge or handrail of the pool, or if someone treads on the goggles, Many pools supply authorized play equipment. Pool users must be aware of, and abide by, any safety rules governing use of the equipment.

 Supervision of swimming lanes is essential for safety and should be set out. Signs can be used to aid supervision. Lifeguards must be vigilant if problems are to be avoided. Things to look out for include:

1)      interference with or misuse of lanes lines

2)      fast swimmers catching slower swimmers

3)      nose-to-leg swimming must be avoid

4)      swimmers colliding with others moving in the opposite direction

5)      crowding at the ends of the lane preventing others from turning

6)      swimmers stopping to talk in lanes

7)      children or weak swimmers in inappropriate lanes.