That I ever have had in my life with my grandchild. He's 7, amost 8 and came over this afternoon to swim in the pool where I live.
He and I have been doing this for the last 3 yrs. He loves the water but has not yet learned to swim.
I brought swim toys, float, juices and snacks to cover all basis's.
After an hour I was ready to get out of the water but I told him I would sit in the chair and watch.
And I did, I watched him like a halk and saw he had fell off the float and was in 5 ft. of water and was struggling. I heard him say, "I need help" and a gal who was in the pool responded. I was there in a flash as he was crying and I told him it's time to go back to my place,...
I did get him settled down,... now I'm thinking, "ok, you had a major issue a couple of weeks ago with my son's daughter and today my daughter's son almost drowns!!!
Needless to say I am very worried about my frame of mind at this point.
Thanks all for letting me tell me.
Marcia

Dear Marcia,

My nonswimming 13 year old stepson jumped into the pool while I was reading the pool rules to him. I had to use the pole to rescue him. I told him my rule was, he could not be in the water without me or his father. Period. I sent him to the YMCA to learn how to swim. After that summer he could swim like a fish, better than me.

Many adults overestimate their ability to respond to swimming pool emergencies. Many children drown in the presence of adults. I say this as a pediatrician.

I would urge you to do several things: stay in the water with him and get him swimming lessons. Learn to use the rescue equipment and learn CPR.

Iris L.

Thanks Iris, he is going next week for swim lessons and I will be in the water the entire time when we do this again.
Marcia