The Ottumwa YMCA Aquatics Director talks about water safety.
Nicole Copple, Aquatics and Sports Director, Ottumwa YMCA, says the public should exercise caution around water given recent area tragedies. Copple says parents need to understand what they need to do for kids, but they also need to understand what to do for themselves.
“We have kids in our program that are learning how to swim but their parents don’t know how to swim. . .So we look at the parents like ‘why aren’t you in the pool too?’ and they’re just like ‘we’re too old for this’ and we’re like ‘no you’re not!’ anyone can swim.” Nicole Copple, Aquatics and Sports Director, Ottumwa YMCA
Copple says she wants everyone to understand how to handle situations in the water.
“We start them (kids) at 6 months [old] because we want them to learn as soon as possible; to be comfortable around water, not to be scared of it. To understand that water is not going to hurt you as long as you get in there and you understand how to save yourselves” Nicole Copple, Aquatics and Sports Director, Ottumwa YMCA
Copple explains the primary focus they teach kids during swimming lessons.
“If you’re anywhere near the water you have to have an adult around. Even if the adult doesn’t know how to swim they can stand in the water and reach you.” Nicole Copple, Aquatics and Sports Director, Ottumwa YMCA
Copple continued by explaining what to do if you’re in a situation in the water.
“Swim. Float. Swim. If you have to swim a long distance and trying to get yourself back to an area where you can swim or to safety. swim for a distance, then float on your back to catch your breath, then flip back over and swim. If you don’t know how to swim always wear a life jacket. If you’re on a lake you should always have a life jacket.” Nicole Copple, Aquatics and Sports Director, Ottumwa YMCA
Copple says there are occasions that life jackets are unable to save a person in the water.
“If you don’t have the correct size for a child it can be too big and it can cover their face. Make sure the life jacket is approved by the United States Coast Guard.” Nicole Copple, Aquatics and Sports Director, Ottumwa YMCA
Copple says that adults should take the same precautions as kids.
“A lot of adults fish. . .Make sure you’re on stable ground. If you are by rocks make sure you’re on a stable rock that you’re not going to slip down. Make sure you’re by people. . .be around people, make sure you’re not the only one there. Have a life jacket with you especially if you know you can’t swim. . .Take care of yourself and take care of others.” Nicole Copple, Aquatics and Sports Director, Ottumwa YMCA
Copple wants those who don’t know how to swim there is nothing to be afraid. Be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.
“Water isn’t scary. It’s not. A lot of people are scared of the water. It can be if you have accidents or incidents that happen and it’s okay to be afraid of it, but it’s nothing to be afraid of. As long as you practice and get an understanding on how to save yourself you don’t even have to know how to swim. As long as you know how to save yourself and you take your precautions that you need.” Nicole Copple, Aquatics and Sports Director, Ottumwa YMCA
Copple says she encourages everyone to be educated while swimming the rest of the summer.
