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SUPERIOR, Colo. (KDVR) — Each year, about 4,000 people in the U.S. die from accidental drownings, but experts say many of those deaths can be prevented by being prepared.
It’s the reason Goldfish Swim School in Superior held a free community CPR class on Saturday.
Certified instructors were equipped with life-saving expertise, extending safety lessons beyond the pool.
“It’s something that not everybody offers,” Megan Holenick, who oversees operations at the swim school said.
The training could be the difference between life and death.
“This is actually our first class,” she said. “It’s something we recognize to be safe in our own community, and we had such a demand for it .”
Seven participants walked away with lifesaving skills that would increase the chance of survival if someone near them experienced drowning or cardiac arrest.
“It’s not about if something is going to happen. It’s about when something is going to happen,” Holenick said
Lauren Root came out to learn all about CPR, AED, and basic lifesaving skills.
“When I saw they were offering a free CPR class, it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. Having two young kids it’s always a very big concern. You never know anything can happen,” Root said.
In case it does, she wants to be prepared.
“Knowing what to do in an event and not feeling overwhelmed. I might still feel overwhelmed but at least I’ll know what to do,” Root said. “I think that’s the most important thing.”
She recalls a time when her daughter choked before. She wishes she had the knowledge she knows now, then.
“It was really scary, I really didn’t know what to do. I learned I was actually doing the wrong thing,” Root said. “It turned out fine in the end, but I think if I knew what to do right off the bat I would have just taken charge.”
Instructors plan to hold another free CPR class in the spring. Participants must be 15 years or older to attend.
“I think everyone should learn this. I myself am not in the medical profession and I’m just happy to have the opportunity,” Root said.
Sign up for the Goldfish Swim School mailing list on their website and you’ll be notified when the next free class is offered.
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