The Courier-Post – April 12, 2014

Afraid to jump into water over your head? You’re not alone. An estimated 37 percent of American adults can’t swim the length of a 25-yard pool, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Accidental drowning deaths are the fifth leading cause of unintentional deaths, and 10 people drown every day in the United States, according to the Swimming Saves Lives Foundation, part of U.S. Masters Swimming.

The foundation has launched a national campaign declaring April “Adult Learn-To-Swim Month.” The program provides grants to support 1,500 adult swimming classes, according to Rob Butcher,

executive director of U.S. Masters Swimming.

“If we can convince water-shy adults to learn to swim in April,

we hope to save lives when people gather at pools and beaches

for summer

recreation,” said Butcher.

To find an adult learn-to-swim program, visit usms.org/learntoswim