Catch the Wave Swim Club invites public to interactively learn about water safety

Catch The Wave Swim Club, 1917 Blackhawk Blvd, South Beloit is extending a free, fun and educational opportunity to learn valuable water related skills.

Survival Week, which begins Sunday, Sept. 21-27, 2025, is open to all swimmers, regardless of skill level. This is the perfect opportunity for kids to learn essential water safety skills in a supportive,community-focused environment.

To registering is free but spots are limited, so don’t wait. Call 815-713-4481.

“At Catch the Wave Swim Club, we know that when you sign your children up for swimming lessons, drowning prevention is at the top of your mind. But water safety isn’t just for kids, it’s a family effort. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our annual Safety Week, running from Sunday, Sept. 21-27, a tradition that brings our community together to learn, practice, and prioritize water safety in a fun and engaging way,”Catch the Wave owner Debbie Stoffgren said.

Why Water Safety Matters

Water can be a source of joy, exercise, and relaxation, but it also carries risks. According to Safe Kids Worldwide, drowning is the leading cause of injury-related death among children ages
one to four.

Drowning can happen in an instant—whether in a pool, a bathtub, or even a
bucket of water—and it can happen any time of year, regardless of the weather. These sobering facts remind us that water safety is a year-round priority, and it starts with education and practice.

“Our mission is to empower swimmers and their families with the skills and knowledge to stay safe in and around water. Safety Week is one of the ways we bring this mission to life, fostering a community-wide commitment to drowning prevention,” Stoffgren said.

During this special week, our expert instructors guide swimmers of all ages through practical water safety techniques.

Kids will jump in fully clothed to practice essential skills like floating,
treading water, and responding to emergencies, while also learning how to stay safe around the pool.

Our goal is to ensure every participant leaves feeling confident, prepared, and empowered to handle water-related situations.”

Parents are invited to join the fun! Safety Week includes family-focused activities to teach you how to supervise effectively and reinforce safety at home.

“It’s a chance to make water safety a family affair, all while creating memorable moments together. make drowning prevention a priority, Let's dive into safety together,” Stoffgen said.

Specific techniques are taught, such as flotation and self-rescue.

Survival swimming is critical for child safety, equipping kids with skills to prevent drowning and respond effectively in water emergencies.

Statics show that drowning is a leading cause of accidental death in children, with over 1,000 fatalities annually in the U.S. alone (CDC data).

Survival swim lessons teach techniques that empower children to save themselves, fostering confidence and reducing panic in aquatic environments.

Key Skills and Their Importance

* Swim-Float-Swim: This technique allows children to swim short distances, float on their back to rest and breathe, then continue to safety. It’s vital for conserving energy and maintaining calm in deep water, enabling kids to reach safety without exhausting themselves.

• Roll-Back-to-Float: By learning to roll from a face-down swimming position to a back float, children can rest and breathe easily. This skill is crucial for regaining control in unexpected situations, like falling into water, preventing disorientation and panic.
  
• Grab-and-Pull: Teaching kids to grab a pool edge or rescue object and pull
  themselves to safety ensures they can exit water quickly. This is essential for escaping hazardous situations, such as strong currents or accidental falls, reducing reliance on external help.

“These skills, practiced until second nature, build muscle memory for instinctive reactions in emergencies. They also instill water confidence, reducing fear and promoting safe aquatic behavior. Starting as early as 3 months, survival swimming lays a foundation for lifelong water
safety,“ Stoffgren said.

Get ready to dive into water safety like never before! Catch The Wave Swim Club is thrilled to announce our exclusive Survival Week, a one-of-a-kind event designed to equip swimmers of all levels with life-saving skills.

“Forget traditional swimming lessons, this is about being prepared for real-world water emergencies, and we’re making it fun, engaging.”

“At Catch The Wave Swim Club, we’re turning water safety into second nature. Let’s make a splash together and ensure everyone is ready for any water adventure life throws their way!” Stoffgren said.

What is Survival Week?

Accidents don’t wait for you to slip into a swimsuit. That’s why during Survival Week, we teach swimmers to handle water challenges in their everyday clothes—think t-shirts, shorts, pants, or even pajamas and superhero costumes!

It’s all about mastering the weight and feel of clothing underwater, learning critical movements, and building confidence to tackle unexpected water situations.

What You’ll Learn

* Jump, Roll, and Float Like a Pro: Fully clothed, you’ll learn to stay calm and
buoyant in any scenario.

* Swim Without Goggles: Build skills to navigate the water without relying on gear.

* Prepare for Real-Life Adventures: Be ready for water challenges beyond the
pool, from lakes to rivers and beyond.

How to Get Ready: Getting set for Survival Week is a breeze:

* Wear a swimsuit under your everyday clothes—safety meets style!

• Bring your favorite t-shirt, shorts, or pants to swim in.
• Pack a plastic bag for those soggy clothes to keep things dry after the fun.
  Join the Fun!

Join all of the fun during Water Safety Week at Catch The Wave Swim Club, 1917 Blackhawk Blvd, South Beloit and at 4113 Whitney St, Janesville
The cost is free for all participants.

Visit www.catchthewaveswim.com or contact them at 815-713-4481 for details on dates, and times, to learn valuable life saving water related skills during Water Safety Week!