SAFETY AROUND WATER

The world is 71% water. Your children are 100% curious.

Water covers the majority of our planet, making it an integral part of life. From pools and lakes to rivers and oceans, children are naturally drawn to water. However, with that curiosity comes the need for safety. Drowning can happen nearly anywhere there is standing water, whether it’s in a pool, bathtub, or even a small pond. It’s one of the leading causes of accidental death among children, which makes water safety an essential skill for every child to learn.

As a parent or caregiver, you can’t always keep your kids out of the water, and you shouldn’t have to. The health benefits of swimming, the opportunities for family bonding, and the joy of learning new skills in the water are too important for children to miss out on. The key is not to avoid the water but to equip your children with the right tools and knowledge so they can confidently navigate and enjoy aquatic environments.

Why Water Safety is Essential

Teaching children how to be safe around water isn’t just an extra skill or an afterthought—it’s a necessity. Every parent wants their children to thrive, and part of that growth comes from learning essential life skills. Water safety is one of the most important of these, as it ensures children can enjoy water-related activities while minimizing the risk of accidents.

The YMCA recognizes the importance of these skills, which is why we’ve developed our Safety Around Water program. This initiative is designed to teach children the fundamentals of water safety, helping them build confidence in and around water while reducing the risk of drowning. By learning how to swim, float, and navigate aquatic environments safely, children can participate in water activities with greater assurance and enjoyment.

What is the YMCA’s Safety Around Water Program?

The YMCA’s Safety Around Water program is a free community resource open to children and families. We believe that every child, regardless of their background or ability to pay, should have access to potentially life-saving water safety skills. This program is designed for children who have little to no experience in the water and aims to teach them essential skills that could save their lives in an emergency.

In this program, children will learn how to respond if they find themselves unexpectedly in the water. They’ll practice floating on their backs, which can help them stay calm and conserve energy, and they’ll learn how to safely exit a body of water. The program also emphasizes what to do if they see someone else in trouble, reinforcing that safety is not just about individual actions but also about helping others.

Free and Accessible to All

One of the most important aspects of the Safety Around Water program is its accessibility. This program is completely free to participants and open to anyone in the community. The YMCA understands that not every family has the resources to afford swim lessons, which is why we offer this service at no cost. We are committed to ensuring that all children, regardless of their circumstances, have the opportunity to learn these crucial water safety skills.

Whether you’re a parent who wants peace of mind when your child is near water or someone who recognizes the health benefits of swimming and water exercise, the YMCA’s Safety Around Water program is here to support your family.

Building Confidence and Lifelong Skills

The skills learned in the Safety Around Water program go beyond just preventing accidents. They also help build confidence, teach children to set and achieve goals, and foster a sense of accomplishment. By mastering water safety and basic swimming techniques, children gain independence and self-assurance that can carry over into other areas of their lives.

Water is not just something to be cautious around—it’s a place to have fun, exercise, and create lasting memories with family and friends. By ensuring your child knows how to stay safe in and around water, you’re giving them the opportunity to enjoy all that the water has to offer while keeping them out of harm’s way.

Enroll Your Child in the YMCA’s Safety Around Water Program Today!

The YMCA is committed to helping children develop water safety skills that will last a lifetime. Enroll today in our Safety Around Water program and help your children gain the confidence and knowledge they need to safely enjoy the water.