There is a list of basic life skills all parents instinctively know they must teach their children to keep them safe and healthy. It includes habits like looking both ways before crossing the street, washing your hands with soap and water, not sitting so close to the TV, and eating the right amount of fruits and vegetables every day.
For too many parents, safety in and around water is not on the list; and that’s something we need to change.
Fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death for children ages 1 to 14 years old. Last year, over 25 individuals died in New Jersey due to drowning. The problem is particularly prevalent among minority communities.
The Y is committed to reducing water-related injuries and keeping children safe in and around water. During National Water Safety Month this May, the Y encourages all parents to learn about the importance of water safety skills and to provide children with water safety and swim lessons.
These classes are just one of the many swim programs that more than a million people, from toddlers to adults, take advantage of at the Y’s more than 2,000 pools across the country. At the Summit Area YMCA, in addition to offering swim lessons for all ages, we also offer the 2nd Grade Learn to Swim Program, which provides all second graders free swim lessons. The Y hopes to further bridge cultural and access gaps that can prevent some children from learning important water safety skills.
If children know how to stay safe in and around water, swimming can be a lifelong source of fun and exercise. Instead of keeping your children away from water, help them learn fundamental water safety skills. These classes can provide a new, exciting way to keep active and meet new friends.
To learn more about the Y’s Safety Around Water program, please visit www.ymca.net/watersafety.
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About the Summit Area YMCA
The Summit Area YMCA is one of the area’s leading 501(c)(3) charitable organizations. Founded in 1886, the Summit Area YMCA has a history steeped in working side-by-side with our neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income and background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Each year, we serve more than 10,000 individuals with our free and fee-based programs and services in an area spanning the communities of Berkeley Heights, Gillette, Millburn, New Providence, Short Hills, Springfield, Stirling and Summit. Through the generosity of our members, donors, and partners, we are able to offer financial assistance for our programs and services to those with demonstrated need.