Spring is Almost Over So Step Into Summer Feeling Sexy and Swim Safe
Marcia BNoose, born Marcia Anita Hobbs, is a renowned human rights activist, Fashion Designer, and Model/ Actress in Australia. Founder of the 'Human Rights Brand' Barbwire Noose Clothing, Marcia is recognized for her charitable contributions, autobiographical authoring, and pageantry title holdings within the pageant world.
Slip, Slop, Slap is the Australian theme of summer; that sun is a scorcher. Suns out, guns out, the playful expression of both good weather and fashion, like bikinis and budgie smugglers, shorts, and wetsuits. Summer gets us outside, into the pool, and down to the beach. While we share a love for summer fashion, we mustn’t forget that statistics in the US estimate around 4,000 people die from unintentional drowning annually. That’s an average of around 11 deaths per day. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1–4 and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children 5–14 years old.
Approximately double that figure per year, about 8,000, represents non-fatal drownings requiring emergency treatment. Swimming is a skill for life. With over 20 years’ experience as an aquatics teacher, here are a few expert insights into keeping all ages safe, swimming, and happy in the water:
Designated swim zones are often open, high-visibility locations with less problem-prone waters and lifeguards. It is always best to recognise areas classified as safe, marked with signs indicating swimming zones. No matter your shape, size, or abilities, when swimming, a foam noodle or two is never a waste of time or money. They are cheap, fun, and can be a life-saving piece of equipment at any pool or beach.
No matter how good a swimmer you are, it is never wise to swim alone. It only takes a small amount of water to cover the nose and mouth and cause drowning. Always swim with a companion, and always let someone know where you’re going and what you are doing.
A whistle. Parents with children, you should have a whistle handy at the beach or home pool. Whistles are a great way to quickly get the attention of swimmers, engage in an evacuation, or stop unsafe behaviours.
Breathing in the water is as simple as blowing bubbles. That’s right, the first step to breathing during swimming requires as little as lowering your chin to your lips into the water and blowing air out. Performing this activity is easy, and it is not scary. Your eyes are not required to be under the water, so if you are a little unsettled by the idea of your head underwater, this is a great way to step forward into the skill of swimming and gain confidence.
Remember, your hands are scoops when you swim. That means fingers are together. Fingers spread apart allow water to flow through the hand as it moves, which is counterproductive when conserving energy. The thumb folds slightly into the palm along the side of the hand to form a scoop. This hand formation moves the water more effectively when the arms are in motion.
Signalling help
Hold your fist in the air, out of the water, and visible to others. Avoid a flat, open hand, as onlookers may think you’re waving ‘hello’ and not signalling that you are in danger.
Float on your back
If you are ever tired or cannot reach shallow water to rest, rolling onto your back and floating in the water to regain your energy and catch your breath is a simple, life-saving tip for all ages.
Remember, keeping safe is the best way to have fun in the water. Use your sunscreen, wear a hat, take a noodle, even a blow-up swimming accessory will do, and go have fun in the sun!
A low-impact workout that improves heart and lung function = Swimming
Humans have been swimming since before Christ. It is said to alleviate stress and improve well-being, including asthma symptoms.
Around 50 to 60% of the population in the USA cannot swim. In Australia, around 75% of people can swim.
“After 20 years of proudly teaching the young and the old the vital skill of swimming, I know knowledge of the water saves lives. Never leave a child unattended in the water, and adults, swim with company.”
Read more from Marcia Anita Hobbs (BNoose)
Marcia Anita Hobbs (BNoose), Entrepreneur/ Activist
A life like a little rock princess at times, Marcia is a leader in legislative change, politics, and the business world. Protesting for change throughout the state of South Australia and beyond, Marcia has dedicated her life to empowering those who feel they have no power or truly do not have power at all. A student of Policy and governance, Marcia contributes to sustainable changes within government and the fashion sector. Heavily invested in environmentally friendly fashion. Marcia is bold, outspoken, and an active change-maker. Her mission is 'A Better World'.
