The YMCA of Central Florida believes that teaching kids water safety skills is a necessity – especially in Florida, where we are surrounded by pools, lakes, ponds and of course – the ocean!
And from May 28-31, we provided 1400 free drowning prevention lessons for more than 350 kids at 10 YMCA Family Centers during our annual Safety Around Water Week.
During the YMCA’s 4-day Safety Around Water Program, certified swim instructors teach kids life-saving water safety techniques that reduce the chance of drowning and give both kids and parents confidence in and around water.
During Safety Around Water lessons, kids participate in exercises that help them adjust to being in water. They also learn how to “jump, push, turn, grab” as well as “swim, float, swim” – two skill sets that kids can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in water. Kids also discover what to do if they see someone in the water who needs help.
The Y is “America’s Swim Instructor” and the most accessible community resource to prevent drowning and encourage a lifelong enjoyment of swimming. The Y introduced the country to the concept of group swim lessons more than 100 years ago, and each year, the Y teaches more than a million children invaluable water safety and swimming skills. As one of the largest community-based organizations in the country, the Y owns or manages over 2,000 pools. Thanks to its size and reach, the Y is in a unique position to help bridge the gap in the delivery of swim lessons and water safety education in the U.S.—especially in underserved communities.
Learn more about Safety Around Water and swim lessons at the Y.