As summer draws near West Texans are looking for places to cool off and go swimming. With so many great places to swim in the Big Country, we must all remember to look out for our fellow Texans who do not know how to swim.

I want to encourage everyone to learn how to swim, at least learn the five basic swim skills for survivability. I have had a drowning experience with a family member and it was because my family member did not know how to swim. After he was revived, I made a vow to encourage everyone to learn how to swim.

LOOK: These Are Pools Around Abilene That Offer Swim Lessons

It's Going To Be A Long Hot Summer

If the weatherman's predictions are correct we are going to be in for a long hot and dry summer. Abilene and the Big Country are fortunate to have several places that offer swim lessons. A couple of these places offer group swim lessons for families, friends, or church groups.

Now, if you would rather that no one knew you are taking swim lessons regardless of your age, there are private swim lessons offered by several of Abilene's swim spots. One interesting fact is that 57% of the American population does NOT know how to swim.

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According to the CDC: "Drowning is the number one cause of unintentional death for children between the ages of 1 and 4 years old. 390 deaths a year on average are due to drowning in a swimming pool or hot-tub. On average there are 3,536 fatal drownings each year in the United States—that's 10 deaths every day—and thousands more are injured in swimming pool-related accidents. Source: CDC.Gov

That's why I encourage everyone to learn how to swim, and parents listen to me please get your child into swim lessons right away. Here's where you'll find swim lessons in Abilene.

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