Red Cross Hosts Water Safety Classes In West Philadelphia

By Hadas Kuznits

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - This is the time of year when many like to go swimming, but it can be an especially dangerous time as well.

Throughout the summer, the American Red Cross hosts water safety classes here at the West Philadelphia YMCA. Instructor Mary Seyler says the number one rule when it comes to a pool or a natural body of water is to never swim alone.

"They overestimate their skills. They think 'oh, I made it out, I can make it back.' That's why you need to swim with a buddy in a supervised area with a lifeguard, know how to stand up if you go in the water."

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She says while summers get hot here in the Philadelphia area, the last thing you want to do is spontaneously jump in the river to cool off:

"The Schuylkill river, The Delaware river, have currents that will carry the kids away and they can be very difficult to combat that."

And if you don't know how to swim, she says you can always take classes.