If there is one thing that Cheree Brennan is passionate about, it’s making sure everyone is safe “in, around and on the water.”
That’s one of the reasons why Brennan, aquatics director at the municipal pool, makes sure they join the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson each year and invites the community to participate.
Held June 23, the same 30-minute lesson was offered at locations throughout the world.
The first global swimming lesson was offered in 2010. Brennan said she believes this is the third time Boulder City has participated.
In Boulder City, 20 children were officially registered, though there were actually 32 children in the pool learning water safety tips. There were an additional 17 volunteer instructors and lifeguards who participated.
Brennan said it is important for people — and especially children — to learn how to swim or be in the water safely. Statistics show that drowning is the leading cause of death in children from birth to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional death for children 4-14, she said.
“I feel that drowning, in most cases, can be prevented,” Brennan said.
She also cautions parents against using “water wings” or swimsuits with built-in flotation elements. Those, she said, provide a false sense of security and put the body in the wrong position.
Instead, she recommends that those who don’t know how to swim or who are going out on the lake wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
Hali Bernstein Saylor is editor of the Boulder City Review. She can be reached at hsaylor@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9523. Follow @HalisComment on Twitter.