CWIC on Wealth TV

Chapman Walters Intercoastal Corp., Inc. was featured in a Wealth TV segment today, March 30, 2009. As a leading licensee for Body Glove products, CWIC was one of the major sponsors of last year's Bisbee tournament series.

Wealth TV is a new high definition cable network that shows viewers how wealth is achieved, used, and enjoyed. For more information go to http://www.wealthtv.net/ and look for the segment to be available on demand under the programming tab in the near future.

For more information on CWIC please go to http://www.destinationwater.com/.

http://www.destinationwater.com/
- A C Walters Intercoastal Corporation

Fun in the Water - A Swim Teacher's Thoughts

By Swim Teacher Julie Gross of South Florida


Water, water everywhere! Virtually, not matter which way we turn we can see some form of water, from the rain that falls on our noses, to the vast blue oceans, to backyard pools. We see both children and adults enjoying themselves in the water. And we can think back to a number of pastimes that saw us swimming like a fish, water skiing and surfing.

Most of us swimmers are recreational and have never thought of competing in an event, let alone the Olympics, yet we are fulfilled as we enjoy the soothing waters. I can remember as a kid pretending that I won a gold metal. I swam with all my might as an imaginary crowd cheered me on and when I touched the wall with a last minute lurch, I celebrated with my hands held high above the waters! And who can forget playing Marco Polo...I can still here my friends' voices answering, "Polo!" while I searched for them with my eyes closed. And then at night with all energy spent, I would sleep like a baby while dreaming of swimming like a dolphin in the sea.

Have you watched children as they splash around in the water and sing joyful songs? Too many times today, kids are staying in doors far too much. I challenge you to get them outside and into the water. Take them to a pool, rivers, lakes, and oceans. There they will feel liberation and find health.

I live in South Florida and have devoted my life to teaching children and adults to swim. For me, learning to swim came at an early age and in learning I had a few bad experiences, but in the end I found such confidence in knowing that I could overcome my fears and emerge stronger.

My motto is "Until the Whole World Swims" and this is my life mission - to work with students to find confidence which will pour into their daily lives outside of the water.

Children just love to be in the water, and I always tell parents that one of the most important things they can teach their child is what to do in case of an accidental fall. That is why I suggest that everyone should have formal training.

A little fun fact...did you know that most men don't think they can float on their backs? Ironically a little fishy named Mr. Blue says that if you keep your head back and your belly out, you can float just like him.

No matter what body of water you are in, swimming is the most fun and best form of exercise you can do for yourself! As the waters warm, I challenge you to get into the water as much as possible...there you will find fun, renewal and adventure!

To find out more about Julie Gross and her passion for "Until the World Swims" view her website at http://www.lessonswithjulie.com/.

To learn more about pool toys and swim gear go to http://www.destinationwater.com/.


http://www.destinationwater.com/
- A C Walters Intercoastal Corporation

What are the Ideal Conditions for Snorkeling?

The best time to go snorkeling is when the waves are small, the sun is shining and the weather is mild.

Large Waves don't only make snorkeling challenging, but the big waves disturb the peace of the ocean floor by churning up sand. This makes the water murky and decreases visibility. As a guideline, if surfers are in the area, the waves are probably too large for an ideal snorkeling experience.

Before you go out for the day check the surf report to make sure of conditions. A great resource is http://www.surfline.com/ for the latest info.

Many avid snorkelers prefer bays for their adventures. A bay provides an alcove-like shelter for smooth waters. The waves, currents and crosswinds will be minimal. Additionally, the water is also usually shallower, allowing for the viewing of sea life on the ocean floor.

It is also best to hit the beach when it is sunny out. Not only does the warm weather create a pleasant snorkeling experience, but sunlight increases visibility and brings out the true colors of the fish and coral.

Snorkeling can be the ultimate adventure! Dive in...you'll never know what beauty you will find!

For more information on snorkeling and snorkeling gear, check out http://www.destinationwater.com/. Have a snorkeling adventure that you would like to share? Email mailto:info@destinationwater.com and we may post your pictures on our blog!


http://www.destinationwater.com/
- A C Walters Intercoastal Corporation

What to Take with You on a Snorkeling Adventure

Post by Kim Popp of CWIC

It's almost spring! The weather is beautiful and the ocean is getting warmer. What better day trip can you think of than packing up your gear and heading to the beach? It can be a great excursion for everyone from kids to adults. While loading up your picnic, swimsuits, towels and sunscreen don't forget the snorkel gear for the great adventure under the sea. Snorkeling is a great way to experience the ocean in a whole new light. Only a limited amount of equipment is necessary and most gear is both affordable and durable!

Besides what you have already packed for your beach excursion you will only need a mask, snorkel, and fins to get started.

Some items you may want to bring along are a kick board, hydrosling, and arm bands to help your child float. As well as, a rash guard or float shirt (for kids) with UV protection to prevent sunburn.

Some Great Features to Look For
Finding snorkeling equipment is easy and fun. You can either purchase a set or separates to make your snorkel adventure complete.

Here is what I would suggest to look for in snorkeling gear for your adventures:
Mask

• Make sure your mask meets the rigorous ANSI standards for safety
• A silicone face skirt for a comfortable fit with a snug seal
• Tempered glass for the best view underwater and to avoid breakage
• Anti-fog mask to allow for maximum visibility
• UV protection
• A Quick Adjusting Strap for extremely easy fitting
• A purge valve to clear water from your mask with ease
  

Snorkel

• 100% submersible or dry top snorkel to prevent water from leaking into your water tube
• A purge valve for easy clearing of the snorkel
• Safety whistle to alert fellow snorkelers of an emergency
• Bright safety cap for your child's snorkel so that you never lose track of them

Fins

• A lighter fin with maximum propulsion to reduce fatigue
• An adjustable heel strap to fit a variety of sizes or growing foot
• For travel an ultra short design is a great idea

Product Suggestions
Check out Body Glove snorkeling gear at Sam's Club and Sports Authority. Body Glove products are affordable and durable.


http://www.destinationwater.com/
- A C Walters Intercoastal Corporation

Snorkel Gear Tips - by Jeanine Sachs

I have been working on the CWIC Customer Support Team for 4 years and am always asked great questions that may help other water enthusiasts better enjoy their adventures. Today I'd love to share some surrounding the use of snorkels, snorkel & dive masks and fins.

How do you use mask and snorkel purge valves?

To clear a mask purge valve, simply hold onto the mask firmly with your hands, tilt your head forward and exhale through your nose. Any water within your mask will exit the purge valve.

A snorkel purge valve is cleared when you take a deep breath and blow with force. The water will then clear from the breathing passage.

How about a whistle built into a snorkel?
A whistle is a notify feature built into many of today's snorkels. Our whistles are designed to be heard from over 200 feet away. To use them, you must rise to the surface of the water, remove the snorkel from your mouth and blow with force into the whistle.

How do you know if a pair of fins fit properly?

Fins should fit snugly, yet allow for the free movement of your foot and ankle. There are many varieties to choose from, so make sure that you take the time to find a pair that is most comfortable for you.

Best way to keep a mask fog free?

The best way to avoid a foggy mask is to first purchase a high-quality mask with tempered glass lenses. Secondly, when you bring your mask home wash with hot soapy water (some snorkelers like to use toothpaste as a cleaning agent). Finally, you can apply Body Glove anti-fog gel to your lenses on the day of your adventure.

If you have questions that you would like for me to answer about snorkeling, swim gear, Learn-to-Swim equipment, and pool toys, please send them to info@destinationwater.com.


http://www.destinationwater.com/
- A C Walters Intercoastal Corporation

Swim Safety Tips - By Julie Gross

Julie Gross, a leading swim instructor/expert in South Florida, is an amazing woman with a heart for children and their families. Her noble motto and life mission is: "Until the whole world swims." Every day she wakes up with an undying passion to make a difference.

Please take the time to read Julie's post...it could save a life!!!

Safe Swimming
by Julie Gross

Drownings can occur very quickly and with little warning. A person will typically lose consciousness about two minutes after submersion, with irreversible brain damage occurring within four to six minutes.

While this is a scary thought, the good news is that drownings and near-drowning incidents are almost always preventable!

Everyone has the potential to be a confident swimmer. In the case of young children, they simply need some encouragement and a full knowledge of the basic How To's of swimming to get them on their way.

The older one gets, the scarier the thought of learning to swim becomes for many people. Older children and adults may face emotional obstacles to swimming. They may struggle with the negative memories of a loved one's drowning, a personal near drowning incident or something as simple as someone throwing them in a pool unexpectedly when they were young. Whatever the obstacle may be, there is always an opportunity to learn to become a safe swimmer.

Whether you own a pool or enjoy dips in oceans, rivers and lakes, here are some safety tips that can help you save lives:

• Learn to swim properly. Regardless of age or skill level, there are always skills that can be improved. If you don't know how to swim at all, it's never too late to learn.
• Always swim with a buddy.
• Even if you are a good swimmer unforeseen accidents can occur, so it's in your best interest to have an adult or someone who knows how to swim nearby.
• Never rely on a flotation device to keep you or your loved ones safe. If you put a flotation devices on your child, it's critical to still keep a close eye on them. Remember, it only takes two minutes under water to lose consciousness.
• Educate yourself and your children. Find out where swimming lessons are taught and enroll your children and yourself in regular swim classes.
• Practice as much as possible. Once you and your child learn the skills necessary for swimming, it is important to practice what you've learned so you won't forget.
• Have fun and be wise in the water. Being in the water is so enjoyable that it can be easy to forget about water safety. Always keep an eye out for possible or hidden dangers.
• Never leave bicycles, items with wheels or other toys around the pool area. Someone can easily trip and fall into the water unexpectedly.
• If you have young children, put up a pool gate or fence to prevent your children from going into the pool without proper supervision.
  
• Keep your sliding glass door locked if you have children and a pool that isn't fenced off or gated.
• Make sure your backyard fence or gate is locked if you have a pool.

For more information from Julie visit her Website at http://www.lessonswithjulie.com/ or email her at info@lessonswithjulie.com.

Learn more about our Body Glove Learn to Swim gear!


http://www.destinationwater.com/
- A C Walters Intercoastal Corporation

Finding Revitalization in Today's Economy - How the Ocean Changed a Life

Times are tough for millions of Americans these days, and when stressed we tend to withdraw and cut back on the many activities that offer mind regeneration and health. I went through a lay off two years ago as a result of my company losing key accounts. I didn't quite know what to do, except that I immediately needed to scramble to find new work opportunities. I would begin each day by sending my resume - I'd eat lunch while sending out more - I'd fall asleep at night researching opportunities. For quite some time, I secluded myself in my home waiting for an answer to my dilemma. A couple weeks went by and I was spending nearly the whole day in my PJ's, checking my e-mail every few minutes, barely going outside or interacting with my friends and family.

Finally, I received a call from one of my best friends who chastised me for my behavior. "We live 10 minutes from the beach," he half yelled. "Come with me to the beach and get your life in gear." My answer was that I wasn't going to waste precious time playing at the beach. My friend Scott responded, "I won't take no for an answer...I'll be there in 20 minutes. Be ready."

I pulled my pathetic self up from my couch, pushed my computer aside and gave in. On the way out the door, I grabbed my bag and cell phone. Scott grabbed my cell phone out of my hand and threw it on my couch. "No cell phone," he said. "You are going to take a break."

We arrived to our favorite beach on that sunny California weekday with beach toys in hand. The sun was shining, sky blue, and a warm breeze blowing in from Catalina. I remember jumping in the ocean and instantly feeling revitalized - all of my worries and frustrations disappeared. At the end of the day, I was able to put things into perspective and slept like a child for the first time since being laid off.

Scott and I made it a point to get back to our beach for a few hours at least 2 times a week. During those moments we ran around like kids, took long swims, took our masks and snorkels to view local sea creatures, and enjoyed feeling the sun on our faces.

Spending a few hours here and there away from my computer allowed for me to find the creativity and strength I needed to make it through a tough time. I ended up becoming a consultant for several companies...and wildly enough found my way to C Walters International, where I am allowed to share my love of the ocean, swimming, snorkeling and water sports.

The moral of the story is that if the ocean, a lake or pool is in your backyard, get out in the water!!! There I promise you will - find balance, strength, hope, simplicity and that all too ignored child within.

There are no admission fees to the water, so jump in!


http://www.destinationwater.com/
- A C Walters Intercoastal Corporation