👻Spooky Myths About Swimming...Busted!
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By Lauri (Thomas) Armstrong, Owner of Little Fins Swim School in Colorado Springs
Introduction: The Truth Behind the (Water) Scares
Every Halloween, ghosts, goblins, and ghouls make an appearance — but at Little Fins Swim School, the real spooky stories are the myths that surround water safety.
You’ve probably heard them whispered at backyard pools or playgrounds: “My child’s safe because they wear floaties!” or “We don’t need lessons — they’re a summer thing.”
As swim educators, we’re here to shine a flashlight on those myths, bust them wide open, and replace fear with facts.
“The scariest thing about water isn’t what’s in it, it’s what families DON’T know about water.”
Myth #1: “Floaties Keep Kids Safe”
The Frightening Truth
Floaties, puddle jumpers, and arm rings create a false sense of security. They hold a child upright in the water, in the exact opposite position of how real swimming and self-rescue work.
According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA), floatation devices that keep kids vertical in the water teach the wrong muscle memory for swimming.
What To Do Instead
Use US Coast Guard–approved life jackets only when boating or near open water.
Teach children to float horizontally (face in the water, body extended, and on the back).
Start lessons early, emphasizing real breath control and buoyancy.
Little Fins Tip: Our Aqua Babies classes and One-on-one Lessons teach proper body position from the first splash, so swimmers learn how to move safely without dependence on devices.
Myth #2: “We Only Need Lessons in Summer”
The Frightening Truth
Taking months off between lessons causes skills to disappear faster than candy on Halloween night.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends year-round lessons as part of a complete drowning prevention plan.
What To Do Instead
Keep lessons consistent throughout the year to build and maintain muscle memory.
Look for indoor warm-water programs that make winter swimming comfortable and fun.
Treat swimming like reading or music = progress happens through steady and consistent practice.
Little Fins Tip: Our 94° salt-cell pools make swimming cozy even when it’s snowing outside. Progress never freezes here!
Myth #3: “My Child’s Safe Because I’m Nearby”
The Frightening Truth
Drowning is silent and fast, it can happen in under 30 seconds, even with adults nearby.
The CDC reports that most drownings among children under 5 occur when a parent is within 25 yards. (CDC Drowning Facts)
What To Do Instead
Always maintain touch supervision for non-swimmers.
Designate a “Water Watcher:” a single adult whose only job is supervision for 15-minute shifts. Download our FREE Water Watcher card to keep in your swim bag.
Keep phones down and eyes up. Constant, active attention saves lives.
Little Fins Tip: We give every family a Water Watcher card as part of our safety initiative, because vigilance is the best life preserver.
Myth #4: “Cold Water Isn’t Dangerous if You Know How to Swim”
The Frightening Truth
Even strong swimmers can lose muscle control and breath capacity within minutes in cold water.
Research from the U.S. National Library of Medicine shows that sudden immersion in water below 70°F triggers an involuntary “gasp reflex” and disorientation. (Cold Water Hazards & Safety from the National Weather Service)
What To Do Instead
Teach kids to test water before entering and recognize signs of cold shock.
Always swim in warm, controlled environments when training young swimmers.
Keep lessons indoors during colder months for safety and consistency.
Little Fins Tip: Our warm pools keep kids relaxed and responsive, which is ideal for real learning, not shivering survival.
Myth #5: “Older Kids Don’t Need Swim Lessons”
The Frightening Truth
Even confident swimmers can face panic in real emergencies. Refining technique and practicing self-rescue skills are lifelong necessities.
The World Health Organization recommends ongoing swim education through adolescence to maintain safety, stamina, and judgment around water. (WHO Global Drowning Report)
What To Do Instead
Encourage ongoing lessons for all ages: advanced stroke work, endurance, and water safety drills. Check out our Lap Swim Program.
Introduce real-world practice like clothing tests and rescue simulations.
Reinforce respect for water at every developmental stage.
Little Fins Tip: Our one-on-one lessons help older swimmers build strong survival instincts and refine technique for lifelong confidence. We also practice clothing tests at developmental milestones.
Myth #6: “Drowning Looks Like in the Movies”
The Frightening Truth
Hollywood has misled us…drowning doesn’t look dramatic. There’s no splashing, shouting, or waving for help. Real drowning is quiet and subtle.
Victims often slip below the surface silently, eyes glassy and mouth partially submerged. According to the National Drowning Prevention Alliance, most child drownings occur during non-swim times, often when parents are distracted for less than a minute.
What To Do Instead
Learn to recognize “Instinctive Drowning Response” cues: head tilted back, mouth at water level, little to no leg movement.
If something feels wrong, don’t wait. Respond immediately.
Prioritize constant, undistracted supervision in every aquatic setting.
Little Fins Tip: We train our instructors to spot early signs of distress within seconds, and we teach parents what to watch for too, because prevention is always faster than rescue.
Myth #7: “My Child’s Too Young to Start Lessons”
The Frightening Truth
The earlier children are introduced to water, the more naturally and safely they adapt. Waiting too long can increase fear and delay vital skill development.
The American Academy of Pediatrics supports starting parent-and-child aquatic programs as early as six months old, emphasizing comfort, breath control, and bonding.
What To Do Instead
Begin with parent-participation classes that focus on fun, floating, and breath games.
Keep lessons short, positive, and consistent.
Use every water interaction (bath, sprinklers, water tables) as a chance for comfort and safety reinforcement. Read more about starting water safety at home.
Little Fins Tip: Our Aqua Babies program is specially designed for infants and toddlers (ages 0–5), combining sensory play and water safety in a nurturing environment.
Conclusion: Facts Over Fear — Confidence Over Myths
Spooky stories belong at Halloween parties, not around the pool.
By busting these myths, you can help prevent the real-life scares that come from misinformation and inaction.
Remember:
Floaties don’t replace lessons.
Supervision beats assumptions.
Consistency builds confidence.
And every child, at every age, deserves the gift of water safety.
At Little Fins Swim School, we believe that education, empathy, and expertise are the antidotes to fear. We’re proud to help Colorado families build safer swimmers, one lesson at a time.
Safety first. Skills for life. Awareness for the world.
Don’t let swim myths haunt your family’s safety this season.
Schedule your trial lesson today and turn fear into confidence, one splash at a time.
Owner, Lauri Armstrong with husband, Jimmy Armstrong, are on a mission to make water safety a habit.
About the Author
Lauri (Thomas) Armstrong is the fearless leader behind Little Fins Swim School in Colorado Springs, where she’s on a mission to make water safety a household habit, not a horror story. 🎃
As a nationally recognized swim-school owner, educator, and community advocate, Lauri has helped thousands of families turn fear into confidence through expert-designed programs that focus on safety first, skills for life, and awareness for the world.
When she’s not debunking spooky swim myths, Lauri can be found growing her team, supporting the Hope Floats Foundation, and leading local efforts to make Colorado a safer place for every little swimmer. 💙
Safety first. Skills for life. Awareness for the world.
Follow her leadership and community initiatives at www.LittleFinsSwimSchool.com or on Instagram @LittleFinsSwimSchool and @LauriLittleFins.