As we unveiled our backyard pool yesterday, a mix of excitement and anxiety washed over me. I have two young children—two curious, adventurous souls—who now have an inviting expanse of water beckoning them. The reality of needing to keep a vigilant watch over them has settled in, especially with a pool in their line of sight.
This summer, however, I find solace in knowing that my children have completed the Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) program.
My journey into ISR began last year, inspired by my cousin’s experience with her child. Initially, I was apprehensive as I watched clips of toddlers being submerged in water, instinctively flipping over to float. It was heart-wrenching to see their fear, and I quickly dismissed the idea of enrolling my kids in the program.
But after witnessing the emotional interviews of parents sharing devastating stories about their young children drowning, I felt compelled to learn more. One particular account struck a chord with me:
“On January 3, 2015, I attended a local fitness class, leaving my 15-month-old, Ethan, in the care of another mom. Moments later, I returned to find him missing. Panic surged through me as I scanned the area, only to catch sight of the water in a nearby canal. My heart sank as I sprinted toward it, fearing the worst. To my astonishment, Ethan was floating calmly, executing the self-rescue skills he learned. I rushed in, and while he was cold and shaken, he was alive. Our gratitude for the ISR program and its dedicated instructor is immeasurable.”
This powerful testimony prompted me to enroll both my son and daughter in ISR.
The program commenced with a certified instructor easing my hesitant children into the water, fostering their comfort. After a few sessions, the focus shifted to teaching them the ISR Self-Rescue Method. Watching them cry during these lessons was incredibly difficult, as they looked to me for reassurance. Yet, we persevered, and with time, both children grew more confident, eventually looking forward to their swim classes.
Is it a significant commitment? Absolutely. Each class lasts about ten minutes—perfect for toddlers—and occurs Monday through Friday for approximately nine weeks until they master their self-rescue skills. However, the importance of equipping my children with life-saving skills far outweighs the temporary discomfort of their tears.
As the summer approaches and your children are near pools, I strongly encourage you to consider ISR’s mission: “No more children should drown.” Lessons can begin for babies as young as six months old, provided they can sit up unassisted. My son started at nine months and quickly acquired the necessary skills. My daughter, at two and a half, was more aware and slightly hesitant, but both successfully graduated from the program, floating unassisted in full clothing for two minutes—no tears, just smiles of pride.
If you’re hesitant because of the thought of your child crying, I understand that fear. I was there too. But ultimately, I realized that enduring their tears in a safe, supervised environment was far preferable to the alternative of never hearing them cry again. For additional information on ISR and to find a certified instructor, visit their website.
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In summary, although the journey through swim rescue lessons may involve some tears, the life-saving skills that children gain are invaluable. The ISR program prepares them for unforeseen circumstances, giving parents peace of mind.