Koa's father wants everyone to know about pool safety.
How cute is this! Great pictures of her swimming!
Timeline of Koa's Progress in Her Summer Swimming Lessons
We started pool school last weekend. As I have mentioned, our vet had told us years ago the most common cause of accidental death in pets in the home was drowning. So, we introduced Koa to the pool, and the way to get out. So far, she has done well when placed in that predicament close to the only exit. We will increase the distance she has to travel and have her practice finding the right corner of the pool to exit over the next few weeks. She might not be totally thrilled by the experience, but she will know how to save herself if that should ever be necessary. (May 9, 2012)
All Cairns can swim, so it's easy to think they would be OK if they accidentally fall into the pool, but it is the panic and confusion in getting out that leads to tragedy. They need to be introduced to all areas of a pool and be able to find the exit steps without assistance multiple times to have them prepared to accept the problem and solve it without succumbing to panic. (May 11, 2012)
Koa has taken a few weeks to prepare for a possible emergency exit from the pool. However, she has become an accomplished swimmer (she was surprisingly awkward at first) and has learned how to recognize her exit spot from anywhere in the pool regardless of her orientation. So now, she heads directly there instead of scrambling in a panic to the nearest edge and makes a graceful exit via the steps. (June 06, 2012)
Pictures show: Koa being released in the pool, swimming alone, and finding her way out to safety.
(June 8, 2012)
We were in the pool today reclining on a float. Koa joined her Mom on the float until she became restless, so she abandoned ship and swam right past her me (instead of seeking my help) to her exit spot. I think she has it figured out! (June 17, 2012)
Note: She did fall in twice before her swimming classes, but was scooped out immediately!