The YMCA's New Safety Around Water Program

Teaching children how to be safe around water is just as important as teaching them to look both ways before crossing the street. Learning basic swimming skills not only will keep them safe, but also help them achieve physical fitness, build confidence, prevent chronic disease, and save lives.

This summer the YMCA introduces their new “Safety Around Water” program, and here to chat about some of the basic skills kids will learn and some of the latest statistics of water safety is the YMCA's Advanced Program Director, Janet Wright.

Hi Janet. How are you today?

I'm good. How are you?

I'm doing well. Thank you so much for joining me today to talk about water safety especially as we are getting closer to schools being out and families getting to enjoy time in the pool. So talk to us a little bit about this new program at the YMCA to keep kids safer this summer.

Our Safety Around Water Program is going to expose children to basic safety skills as well as fundamental introductions to swim lessons.

That's great that you guys have a program like this especially to help put a little less stress for any parents or caretakers. Now in the past what have been some of the statistics for the safety of kids around water?

The statistics are rather scary and surprising. About 3 children drown everyday and all children are at risk as well as adults. It's important for them to have that early introduction to swim lessons because it lowers the risk for the chance of that happening.

I never would have guessed that the drowning statistic was that high, and you're right that is realy scary.

Yes, and unfortunately the minority groups are at a higher risk because of their lack of access to swim lessons and exposure to water.

Wow. Now for someone who does sign up for this, what are some of the specifics that they would encounter in a class?

Well with this phenomenal program that the Y is launching, they will receive training in basic swim skills, water safety, what to look for in a safe swimming environment, and also tips if they do find themselves unexpectedly in a situation.

So let's break down some of the specifics that you teach kids to look for in that safe swimming environment.

So the first and most important thing they should look for at the beach or pool is the lifeguard. They are there for rule enforcement and to help with some safety aspects. They will also be taught to find a swim buddy. And then they want to make sure they are staying in eyesight of the parent or adult with them and mindful of any list of rules around the pool.

When it comes to the list of rules, the lifeguard should go over them once and the parent should go over them again to reiterate the importance.

I like that idea to have the list of rules mentioned to the child twice because you're right it shows the importance of following them. But it also helps them to better pay attention so if they zoned out the first time, then they are able to understand it's worth paying attention to by having both the lifeguard and parent bring it up.

Exactly.

So what are some of the other basic skills that kids will be able to learn taking this Safety Around Water Program?

One skill we will make sure to teach the kids is called “reach, throw, don't go”. The importance of this is to encourage them to not get scared but help if they see another child in danger. So we will show them that if they see someone that needs help to not enter the water themselves. Instead they should get some sort of flotation device and throw it out to them. Then they want to run and go get help.

That's awesome that this water safety course isn't just about teaching them to be safer around water, but teaching them how to handle it if they see someone else in danger.

Exactly.

That's awesome because then they don't have to panic or put themselves in danger. They can easily just think of what they learned and go ahead and do their part to save them.

Right.

Now what are some tips that you have to help the parents? I imagine while this course is designed for kids that there are quite a few things that parents can learn and utilize.

Parents, PLEASE make sure you are supervising your children while you are exposing them early to water safety. The lifeguard is there for rule enforcement and to make sure they are safe around the water, but it is so important for parents to be the first protector and make sure they are supervising their children at a very close distance.

That's great advice, because even just one little distraction could be the moment something scary happens.

Exactly. It's very important for them to vigilant as parents. That extra layer of the lifeguard being there is another sense of comfort.

And that doesn't mean that parents and kids can't have fun in the water, but it's being mindful of those safety precautions as they have fun.

Exactly. That's what this program is all about. It's about having fun in the water, utilize the basic safety skills, and avoid being afraid of the what if.

Right, and parents don't want them to have to be afraid. They want to watch them enjoy it. Now where can people go for more information about the Safety Around Water program with the YMCA?

It's on the Y's website at www.ymca.net/watersafety.