The Y is Committed to Saving Lives through Water Safety
With pools, lakes and beaches all around us in Central Florida, it’s no surprise that Florida leads the country in drowning deaths of children ages 1 to 4*.
As a state surrounded by water and filled with thousands of lakes, rivers and pools, Florida is facing an epidemic as naturally curious kids who do not know how to swim are drawn to water every day. These devastating statistics have worsened during the pandemic all across our community, especially for children in marginalized and under-served neighborhoods. The good news is that drowning is preventable, and the YMCA of Central Florida is committed to helping keep kids safe in and around water this summer.
* Drowning prevention. Drowning Prevention | Florida Department of Health. (n.d.). https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/drowning-prevention/index.html
Drowning Prevention
Swim Lessons
Choose from group swim lessons or private lessons with certified instructors from an aquatics program that’s taught kids and adults alike how to swim for generations.
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Safety Around Water
Learning to stay safe around water may begin at the Y, but it doesn’t end there. That’s why we engage and educate families with water safety tips during Water Safety Month.
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Safe Start
Thanks to Dr. Phillips Charities, the Y has offered this lifesaving drowning prevention program since 2001 to thousands of infants as young as 6 months old.
Learn MorePledge to Be a Safety Around Water Advocate
I pledge to be a #SafetyAroundWater Advocate to keep kids safe in and around water.
| I pledge that I will: |
Designate a water watcher every single time children in my care are in or near the water |
| I pledge that I will: |
Make sure my kids know how to swim |
| I pledge that I will: |
As a parent or guardian, learn CPR |
| I pledge that I will: |
Always remove portable pool ladders when not in use |
| I pledge that I will: |
Ensure all permanent pools have a proper fence and gate and safer drain covers |
Pledge to Be a Water Watcher
I pledge to be a #WaterWatcher to keep kids safe in and out of water.
| I agree to: |
Actively watch the children in my care |
| I agree to: |
Keep my eyes on the water |
| I agree to: |
Avoid distractions |
| I agree to: |
Pull children out of the water and call 911 in an emergency |
| I agree to: |
Start CPR and Basic Life Support |
Sign the Safety Around Water and Water Watcher Pledges
Be a Part of Something Bigger
At the Y, we say for a better us. When you join the Y, you’re joining more than a gym. You’re joining a global nonprofit and a family.
Join generations of neighbors before you who have helped the Y strengthen our Central Florida community since 1885. Your membership dues will help the Y help others. We also have opportunities to get involved like donating to neighbors in need and volunteering to make a lasting difference for good.
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Save lives through water safety
Learn more about how you can save the life of a child through the Y’s various aquatic safety programs
Learn More About Drowning Prevention At the Y