More than 10,000 children – some as young as six months old – have learned life-saving techniques in the water over the past 10 years as part of Safe Start, the innovative water safety program launched by the YMCA of Central Florida with support from the Dr. Phillips Charities in 2002.
We invite you to celebrate the lives that have been changed. Join us at the 10th Anniversary of Safe Start as the Y recognizes the success of this vital program to kick off Central Florida’s pool season at the Aquatic Center YMCA on April 19. We need you there, not only to celebrate, but to make people aware that water safety is crucial to living a healthy Central Floridian lifestyle.
WHAT: 10th Anniversary of Safe Start
WHEN: April 19, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
WHERE: YMCA Aquatic Center
8422 International Drive
Orlando, FL 32819
BRONX'S SAFE START STORY
Swim lessons don’t normally create hype at our pools, but when Bronx enters the pool with the help of his dad and his instructor, people can’t help but watch. Bronx rotates on his back from a facedown position and floats to the side of the pool with a big smile on his face. His parents are proud and amazed at this accomplishment, because Bronx is only 20-months-old and was fearful of the water a few weeks before. During this 10-minute lesson, he is not only building confidence around the water, but learning life-saving techniques that will stick with him forever.
WHY SAFE START IS IMPORTANT
With over 11,000 miles of waterways throughout Florida, our state loses children under age five to drowning more than anywhere else. The Y of Central Florida, the only association across the nation to offer Safe Start instruction at its Family Centers since 2002. By taking on this leading cause of preventable childhood death and injury, the Y is committed to providing this needed resource to families and keeping swimmers of all ages safe in the water.
“My son ventured onto a dock and fell into the water near a boat hoist,” said Carrie Ferenac, local parent, “Before my husband and I could get into the water, he had flipped over, and was floating – tennis shoes and all. It all happened in a matter of seconds and I was so relieved that the lessons he learned from Safe Start helped him survive. All children deserve a safe start with water.”
For more information about Safe Start instruction, please find Safe Start at a Y near you or visit www.safetstartusa.org or call 407-599-0167.
