What’s the best way to beat the heat? Jump in the water, of course! This summer, many central Illinois children will spend their vacation hanging out at pools and splashing water parks. Some kids may even get to go out on the river or enjoy a family trip to a lake.
While playing in and around water is fun, the American Red Cross wants kids to be safe, too. That’s why Longfellow the whale is here. This big blue guy is named after a real person, Commodore Wilbert E. Longfellow. Way back in 1914, Commodore Longfellow started the Red Cross Lifesaving Corps to train people in aquatic safety.
Longfellow the whale really knows his way around the water — check out his whistle! — and he wants kids ages 5 to 12 to learn, too, so they can prevent drowning and injury. Learn these “whale tales,” then have fun!
Longfellow’s Whale Tales
- Swim with a buddy in a supervised area. Swimming alone is dangerous. Swim in areas that are supervised by a lifeguard. When a lifeguard talks to you, listen and follow directions.
- Not at night, not in the rain. Never swim after dark, in unlighted places or in the rain – especially if the storm has thunder and lightning!
- Go feet-first. Don’t dive head-first into the water, unless you’re at the deep end of a supervised swimming pool. Jump in feet-first. Obey “No Diving” signs. They are there for your safety. Never dive into an above-ground pool, the shallow end of any in-ground pool or at a beach. Take turns and only let one person on a diving board at a time! Don’t swim right under the diving board. On a waterslide, go feet first, not head first.
- Be cool: follow pool rules. At the pool or at a lake, read and obey all rules and posted signs. Rules are there for a reason! No horseplay, and no running on the pool deck.
- Keep your mouth empty. Don’t chomp on gum or eat snacks while in the water. It’s not good for your tummy, and it’s a choking hazard!
- Beware of murky water. It can have hidden objects, such as tree stumps, broken glass, weeds and dangerous aquatic critters. Water pollution can cause health problems for swimmers. Big waves and currents are dangerous.
- Stay warm. When the water is cold, don’t go in. You could catch a chill and get really sick. In cold water, the body loses heat faster than it can make heat.
Longfellow’s Whale Tales is a free, interactive program offered by the Red Cross Central Illinois Chapter to area teachers and youth leaders. Children ages 5 to 12 can learn about a range of aquatic safety subjects, including boat safety, swimming safety and rescue techniques.
To schedule a presentation, please contact your local Red Cross chapter.
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