Jun. 27, 2023 By Ethan Marshall
Goldfish Swim School in Glen Oaks awarded local boy Garick Gill with a $5,000 prize toward a beach vacation for the commitment he and his family made to water safety must-knows, known as the Safer Swimmer Pledge. The Gill family was just one of nearly 17,000 families across North America to take this pledge, with his family being chosen at random to be awarded this prize.
Photo courtesy of Goldfish Swim School
The prizes awarded for the pledges were meant as a way of Goldfish Swim School to celebrate the month of May as National Water Safety Month. With the onset of summer, Goldfish Swim School wants to ensure as many people as possible take this pledge as they prepare to spend more time in pools and at the beach.
The pledge consists of five promises those who undertake it will promise to live by.
“Whether I’m at home, the beach, or the pool, I will play it cool and follow the rules,” the pledge says. “When it comes to swimming, water safety is key, that’s why I will always have an adult with me! When I’m around water or on a boat, I can wear a life jacket to help me float. No matter how deep the water may be, I’ll always jump in with my feet. If I see a swimmer in need, I know how to help them indeed! First, I’ll throw them something to float and then I’ll go and get an adult.”
Photo courtesy of Goldfish Swim School
Goldfish Swim School also offers water safety tips for parents and guardians. They recommend parents and guardians talk to their kids about water safety and rules each time they head to an aquatic activity. Following all posted rules in the swimming area was emphasized by Goldfish Swim School. They also recommended assigning a Safer Swimmer Guard to watch the kids and stay within arm’s reach of young swimmers. The Safer Swimmer Guards will have their full attention on the swimming area at all times.
Another safety tip they brought up was wearing a bright colored swimsuit to avoid blending in with the water. In order to avoid fatigue or dehydration, 15 minute breaks are recommended every hour or so. Additionally, it could prove beneficial to get CPR certified.
Since opening last April, the Goldfish Swim School in Glen Oaks has seen over 1,200 children attend their weekly swim lessons. Garick is just one of these kids learning how to be safer in the water. The Glen Oaks location can be found at 257-09 Union Tpke.
Kids and families are still encouraged to sign up to fulfill Goldfish Swim School’s Safer Swimmer Pledge at goldfishswimschool.com. Once signed up, families will have the chance to receive awards like what the Gill family got. Those who take the pledge are then encouraged to hang their pledge hand at their local Goldfish Swim School, where they will then receive a Safer Swimmer Badge.