Ensuring Your Child’s Safety In and Around Water
Safe Start and Infant Swimming Resource (ISR) are the leading behavioral-based approach to swimming lessons, using techniques that are developmentally appropriate for your child.
Non-walking infants will be taught to roll onto their back to float, rest, and breathe; children that are walking will be taught to use a swim-float-swim sequence to reach safety. These Self Rescue® skills will be taught in both a swimsuit as well as fully clothed.
Founded in 1966 by Dr. Harvey Barnett, ISR is now the global leader in the industry it pioneered: survival swimming for infants and young children. In 1999, the YMCA of Central Florida partnered with ISR through the generous support of Dr. Phillips Charities to create Safe Start. Today, our goal “Not One More Child Drowns” is the foundation of our Aquatics program. Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children under age 4. At the Y, we believe that we can work towards changing these staggering statistics one child at a time.
SAFE START LESSON SAFETY PROCEDURES
The safety of all our participants is our top priority. To ensure the health and safety of all students and family members during Safe Start lessons, the following protocols have been put in place by our Aquatics team.
Learn MoreFull Course
Lesson Details
| Age |
6 months – 6 years |
| Lesson Details |
Five 10-minute lessons per week for 6 weeks, with a 1:1 instructor/student ratio |
| Year-round Lesson Locations |
Downtown Orlando Y and Oviedo Y |
| Seasonal Lesson Locations (April–September) |
Dr. P. Phillips Y, J. Douglas Williams Y, Lake Nona Y, and Winter Park Y |
| Registration Fees |
$80 per week |
Refresher
Lesson Details
| Age |
6 months – 6 years |
| Lesson Details |
Five 10-minute lessons per week for 2–4 weeks, with a 1:1 instructor/student ratio |
| Year-round Lesson Locations |
Downtown Orlando Y and Oviedo Y |
| Seasonal Lesson Locations (April–September) |
Dr. P. Phillips Y, J. Douglas Williams Y, Lake Nona Y, and Winter Park Y |
| Registration Fees |
$80 per week |
This course is designed to refresh Safe Start and ISR self-rescue skills. Participants must have previously completed a Safe Start course.
Maintenance
Lesson Details
| Age |
6 months – 6 years |
| Lesson Details |
One to two lessons per week, with a 1:1 instructor/student ratio |
| Year-round Lesson Locations |
Downtown Orlando Y and Oviedo Y |
| Seasonal Lesson Locations (April–September) |
Dr. P. Phillips Y, J. Douglas Williams Y, Lake Nona Y, and Winter Park Y |
| Registration Fees |
$80 per 5 lessons |
This course is designed to maintain Safe Start and ISR self-rescue skills. Participants must have recently completed a full course of Safe Start lesson and/or a full refresher course before registering for maintenance lessons.
Safe Start Instructors
Every Safe Start/ISR Instructor completes an intensive academic and in-water training program before they’re certified to offer Safe Start Self Rescue®. Once certified, instructors are highly-skilled, precise aquatic behavioral specialists. Our instructors understand the unique cognitive and physical development of each child. In addition to being thoroughly trained, our instructors are chosen for their caring nature.
Continual Education
We annually re-certify our instructors with a program that includes in-water and academic work with an ISR Senior Master Instructor.
Safe Start Lesson Pre-registration Form
Frequently Asked Questions
All lessons take place at the YMCA. We offer lessons year-round at our sites with indoor pools, and seasonally at our locations with outdoor pools.
All Safe Start instructors are certified through Infant Swimming Resource and therefore follow ISR’s time-tested methods and safety protocols. All of our practices (including lesson length) are designed to ensure your child’s safety both in and around the water.
Although you’ll be right there on the side of the pool during every lesson, Safe Start instruction is one-on-one between your child and their instructor. However, your child’s instructor may invite you to enter the pool towards the end of the six-week course.
Once your child has completed the initial Safe Start course, we recommend that they return to the pool every six months for refresher lessons. This ensures that your child retains their Safe Start skills even as they continue growing.
Absolutely! Safe Start lessons are a major commitment, so a lot of families share the responsibility.
The Safe Start course takes approximately six weeks to complete. Exact length of time depends on many factors, such as your child’s age and level of development. Consistency is crucial and your child’s progress will rely heavily on regular lesson attendance.
Safe Start is the collaborative effort of Infant Swimming Resource (ISR), Dr. Phillips Charities, and the YMCA of Central Florida. ISR was founded in Central Florida in 1966 by Dr. Harvey Barnett. All Safe Start instructors are trained and certified through ISR.
YMCA Parent/Child lessons take place in a group setting, and the primary goal of the course is water acclimation.
Safe Start lessons, however, are one-on-one between your child and their instructor and the focus is on drowning prevention. Self Rescue® lessons will teach your child how to self-rescue should they fall into the water unsupervised.
Safe Start is Generously Sponsored By
Our Commitment
Your child’s safety is our priority. Find out more about our commitment to keeping kids safe.
Aquatic Camps
Offerings include Fishing, Wacky Water Sports, Endurance Sports and Games, and more!