Grupo Mayan Resorts: Water Safety
February 24th, 2009
The Grupo Mayan resorts are famous for water. We are located on the tropical Mexican coasts and each of our many resorts has lavish garden streams and Olympic size pools. Visitors to Grupo Mayan resorts will want to participate in the many water sport activities offered onsite at each of our resorts.
The Grupo Mayan water sports professionals encourage parents to begin teaching their children about water safety at an early age. Many children are already swimming by age two. But swimming does equate with safety and parents must always be vigilant when their children are around water.
The best way for parents to feel safe when their children are around water is for your children to know how to swim. The Grupo Mayan pros say parents can begin swim lessons for their child starting during the first year of age. While this may seem early, the goal of these early lessons is to help your child become comfortable in the water. You and an instructor will be with your child throughout the lesson.
Another important safety factor, when it comes to children and swimming is the lifeguard. Most public beaches and pools have lifeguards on duty when open. The Grupo Mayan resorts also have lifeguards for the safety of our guests. Even if you, as a parent, are a strong swimmer it is advisable to swim near a lifeguard.
The use of certain floatation devices have been deemed unsafe by the American Red Cross. The inflatable arm bands are considered very dangerous and cannot be relied on to support your child. There are Coast Guard approved life vests that should be purchased by parents for their children. These life vests are approved by the Coast Guard because they offer the best protection available.
The Grupo Mayan water sports pros urge you to teach your child the proper way to get someone’s attention in case of an emergency. Encourage your child to never summon someone for help unless they really are in danger. Waving arms above the head is the best way to get the lifeguards attention. In the ocean, your child’s screams will not be heard over the crashing waves. It is important that you child understands the role of a lifeguard and respects the lifeguards authority.
In the ocean, rip currents are the biggest danger your child will face. Instruct your child to swim along the coastline to get out of the dangerous rip current. Most lifeguards will be aware of rip currents in the area and will not let swimmers in the ocean. Follow this advice as if not followed you and your child’s life will be in danger.
Swimming, say the Grupo Mayan pros, is an enjoyable sport and a great way to exercise. When children start swimming at a young age they will develop a love of the sport. With today’s focus on childhood obesity, swimming offers children a fabulous workout. It is also an activity families can enjoy together at their Grupo Resort, and when they return home.