On the third Saturday in May, a holiday called National Learn To Swim Day is observed every year. It’s a holiday designed to make children safer by encouraging parents to learn more about water safety and to teach their children how to swim. Every year, approximately 800 children drown—with over half of them being under the age of 5 years old.

That’s why it’s important for parents to not only practice proper water safety but to also teach their children how to swim. While parents are observing this holiday, they should also remember that regardless of whether a child knows how to swim or not, they shouldn’t be left near a body of water unattended.

The History of National Learn To Swim Day

This holiday was initially conceived by Swimways Corp in 2014. They created this holiday to not only raise public awareness of their recreational water products but also to encourage parents to teach their children to swim. It’s a holiday that has been celebrated ever since.

Interesting Facts About Swimming & Swimmers

Below are some fascinating facts about swimmers and swimming that we thought would be entertaining to our readers.

• The breaststroke is the oldest swimming stroke, dating back to the 1st century BCE.
• Half of Americans are unable to swim.
• Swimming became an Olympic sport in 1908.

Observing National Learn To Swim Day

Of course, the entire purpose of this holiday is to encourage people to teach their children to swim. But that doesn’t mean that has to be the entire focus of the day. For adults who haven’t yet learned to swim, this holiday is a good day to start learning.

It’s also a good day to think seriously about water safety and to make sure that your pool has safety measures in place to help prevent accidental drownings. Safety measures can include pool alarms, door alarms leading to pools, and fencing. People should also encourage other parents to observe this holiday by using the hashtag #NationalLearnToSwimDay on their social media posts for the day.