Y Talk: 71% of the World is Water and Children Are 100% Curious by Tara Young

Teaching children how to be safe around water is not a luxury; it is a necessity. The Y’s Safety Around Water program can help you make sure they learn essential water safety skills, which can open up a world of possibilities for them to satisfy their curiosity safely.

WHAT IS SAFETY AROUND WATER?

This 5-day course, taught by a certified instructor, teaches children two sets of skills that will reduce the risk of drowning and give them confidence in and around water. A typical session includes:

• Exercises to help children adjust to being in water like blowing bubbles and floating.
• Instruction in “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” and “Swim, Float, Swim,” two skill sets children can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water.
• An activity that teaches children about specific safety topics such as pool rules, boating safety as well as reach and “Throw Don’t Go” scenarios. We will touch on safety in different bodies of water such as lakes and creeks.
• A fun game to encourage comfort and activity in water. They will learn the pool is a great place to spend time with friends for enjoyment and exercise.

Each lesson includes a handout for parents and caregivers with additional water safety tips.

HELP KEEP YOUR CHILDREN SAFE

Drowning can happen nearly anywhere with standing water. But, as a parent or caregiver, you can’t keep your children sidelined. You need to equip them with the tools they need to be confident in and around water so they don’t lose out on the health benefits of exercise, the opportunities to bond with family and friends and the sense of accomplishment when they learn new skills.

ENROLL IN OUR SAFETY AROUND WATER PROGRAM TODAY!

Our Safety Around Water program will be held April 25-29, 2016 from 6-6:30pm each day. Safety Around Water is free to participants, but you need to pre-register. Click here for more information and to sign up. It is open to anyone in the community who wants their children to learn how to be safe in and around water.

-by Tara Young, Aquatics Director