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Vamos a Nadar (Let's Go Swimming)

A Good Idea

Description

"Vamos a Nadar" is a swimming safety program for families. Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury-related death among children under 14 years in age in the United States. From 2000-2003, there were two drowning deaths and 16 hospitalizations among children ages 14 and under in Sonoma County. Latino families are at increased risk for swimming-related accidents.

"Vamos a Nadar" is taught in Spanish. During the free, three-hour program, children receive a swim lesson and their parents receive water-safety instruction from trained lifeguards. At the end of the session, parents receive coupons for discounted swim instruction classes around Sonoma and Mendicino counties.

Goal / Mission

To promote water safety in the Latino community.

Results / Accomplishments

The water safety day, "Vamos a Nadar" has reached approximately 150 children and 300 parents annually since its inception in 2003. In 2010, "Vamos a Nadar" sessions were held at six different locations in Sonoma and Medocino counties between April and July. The success and widespread acceptance of Vamos a Nadar inspired the program, "Vamos a ser salvavidas" (Become a lifeguard), which provides scholarships and lifeguard training for bilingual youth in Sonoma County.

About this Promising Practice

Organization(s)
Safe Kids Sonoma County and the Sonoma County Water Safety Committee
Primary Contact
American Red Cross - Sonoma County Chapter
(707) 577-7624
Topics
Health / Prevention & Safety
Organization(s)
Safe Kids Sonoma County and the Sonoma County Water Safety Committee
Source
American Red Cross
Date of implementation
2003
Location
Sonoma
For more details
Target Audience
Children, Families, Racial/Ethnic Minorities
Michigan Health Improvement Alliance