HOUSTON — Nearly 30 kids have drowned in Texas in 2019 and eight of them were in the Houston area.
It's a heartbreaking but eye-opening statistic, and all parents should pay attention.
Several locations in and around Houston offer free swim lessons:
City of Houston
The City of Houston offers free swim lessons for children and adults in its Swimwise and H2OSAFE programs.
Swimwise
Who: Beginners, Ages 3-5, 6-13 and 14-adult
When: June 11-21
Where: Find a location near you
H2OSAFE
Who: Ages 6-13
When: June 11-21, tap here for schedules
Where: Locations near you
Harris County
Harris County also offers free swim lessons in its Aquatics Program
YMCA
The YMCA of Greater Houston will offer a free swim class event on June 8. They will assess children's swim abilities, offer kids ages 3 and older a taste of swim lessons at the Y and provide parents with important tools for drowning prevention.
Swim lessons at all locations are free with a YMCA membership.
KATY
Typhoon Texas will host free swim lessons on Thursday, June 20 starting at 8:30 a.m.
Children of all ages can learn life-saving skills to prevent drowning, the second leading cause of unintended, injury-related death for U.S. children ages 1-14.
Space is limited to the first 300 participants. You need to sign up in advance for the free lessons.
The local instruction at the west Houston waterpark is part of the World’s Largest Swimming Lesson, now in its 10th year. The huge event is coordinated by the World Waterpark Association. Members of the Houston Swim Club will lead the instruction.
Research shows risk of drowning can be reduced by 88 percent if children participate in formal swimming lessons between the ages of 1-4.
Typhoon Texas is located at 555 Katy Fort Bend Rd. next to Katy Mills Mall, 1.5 miles west of the Grand Parkway. Free onsite parking is available.
GALVESTON
Schlitterbahn in Galveston is also particpating in the World's Largest Swimming Lesson on June 20.
More details to come.
Lake Jackson
The City of Lake Jackson is hosting its World's Largest Swimming Lesson at noon on June 20.
The event will take place at the outdoor pool at Madge Griffith Park on Magnolia Street.
All children must be accompanied by parents. Parents of children 3 and under must be in the pool with them at all times.
You need to register in advance.