Newsletters: June 2023

It’s never too late to become a strong swimmer 🏊

Life Kit — Tools to help you get it together.

Kaz Fantone/NPR

With heat waves hitting Texas and other Southern states, public pools and lakes are good places to cool down.

But being a confident swimmer is crucial to enjoying yourself even in a backyard kiddie pool. According to the CDC, an average of 11 people die from drowning per day in the U.S.

There are lots of reasons people don't learn how to swim. A big one is fear.

Even if you have a life jacket or some other floatation device, knowing how to swim will keep you safer than any device, says Cullen Jones, an Olympic gold medalist swimmer and swim safety advocate. "There is no substitute. Zero."

If you don’t feel confident in the water, it’s not too late to learn how to swim. And if you do know how to swim, consider sharing your skills with a loved one, says Jones. (Or forward them this newsletter as a starting point).

If you’re looking for lessons as an adult, you can go to the U.S. Masters Swimming website and search for instructors near you who specifically teach adults.

Want to become a stronger swimmer? Already know how to swim? Either way, make sure you know these 5 skills

Becoming a strong swimmer isn’t just about holding your breath underwater or splashing around in the pool. According to the American Red Cross, swimming well enough to save your life includes five basic skills.

🌊 First, make sure you can jump into water, submerge yourself completely and bring yourself to the surface.

🥽 Once you've returned to the surface, float or tread water for one minute. When treading water, stay relaxed so you don't overexert yourself.

🩱 From there, you'll want to be able to turn around in a full circle and find an exit. Jones says knowing how to get out of the water is "just as important as getting into the water."

🏊 Next, swim 25 yards to an exit without stopping. You can use whichever stroke you're comfortable with. Jones adds that most pools in the U.S. are 25 yards.

💧 Finally, make sure you can exit the pool or body of water without a ladder. Jones uses the phrase "elbow, elbow, tummy, knee, knee" to teach his three-year-old son this skill.
"You're putting both elbows up on the surface, [and] lifting yourself up to your stomach so you're halfway out." From there, you bring one knee up and then the other knee up, says Jones. "Then you should be able to stand up."

Even if you generally avoid the water, you might find yourself in a situation where you wish you were a more confident swimmer. And unlike other sports, Jones says swimming isn’t just a great workout, “It’s a life skill.”

—Clare Marie Schneider, Life Kit editor and producer

OK, I’M READY TO SWIM

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☀️ Other stories for summer ☀️

🥵 Here are 5 tips to help you stay safe and cool in extreme heat. Heat waves today are not the same as 60 years ago. The warming climate is making them more intense and they’re lasting longer. Here are five ways you can beat the heat and stay cool.

✈️ 6 tips to help you overcome your fear of flying. Whether you’re a nervous flyer, do almost anything to avoid flying, or have an actual flying phobia, these tips can help.

🥓 Grilling is easier than you think. Here's how to start. Grilling isn't just a summer rite of passage for suburban dads — it's for anyone who loves being outside and enjoys that smoky, crispy sear on their meats, vegetables and fruits. But cooking over a flame can intimidate even the most experienced home chefs. Here’s how to get started.

📸 How to take better (and more distinctive) photos on vacation. When your smartphone can hold thousands of photos, it's tempting to snap away. But that approach may not actually help you capture the best moments. These tips on creating stunning images will help you more meaningfully document your trips.

🧳 Tips for planning the perfect long weekend trip. If you're planning a getaway for the long weekend, consider cost, distance and what activities you want to do. If you're staying local, you can still plan a special weekend with fun at home.

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