Local swim instructors give advice at the pool

LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — Half of all Americans aren’t strong swimmers, according to the American Red Cross.

A new survey found that 54-percent of the population either can’t swim or isn’t able to perform basic swim safety skills, like floating, jumping into water over your head or getting out of the water.

That’s especially alarming when the CDC reports an average of 10 Americans die each day from drowning.

Swimming instructors have two recommendations for anyone looking to have some fun in the water.

“The first one is parental supervision,” said La Crosse Area Family YMCA Aquatics Director Brenda Maxwell. “Even when you’re at a pool with a lifeguard, it’s very important for a parent to still supervise their children. And the second one is to always swim with someone. So if you’re a middle school or high school age student bring someone with you.”

Outdoor pools in the City of La Crosse open a week from Saturday.