71% of the World is Water. Children Are 100% Curious.
Teaching children how to be safe around water is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Every June, the YMCA hosts a national Safety Around Water Program to help ensure essential water safety skills can reach those who need it most, opening up a world of possibilities for children and adults.
SAFETY AROUND WATER WEEK
June 20-23, 2022
Taught by a certified instructor, this community outreach course teaches children ages 3-12 two sets of skills that will reduce the risk of drowning and give them confidence in and around water.
› Exercises to help children adjust to being in water.
› 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 and boating safety.
Registration required. Only one registration per child is permitted.
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Children will attend one 40-min. class each day at Old Bridge Family YMCA:
› 3-5 yrs. old | 4 p.m.
› 6-9 yrs. old | 4:40 p.m.
› 10 –12 yrs. old | 5:20 p.m.
PROGRAM FEE: $20 per child
NON-MEMBERS AND NON-SWIM LESSON PARTICIPANTS ONLY.
For more information and questions, contact Christina Huang, Aquatics Director at chuang@ymcanj.org.
6 Tips to Keep Your Family Safe Around Water
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.
1. Buddy Up – Never allow children to swim alone. Teach them to use the buddy system even at a public pool, lake or beach with a lifeguard on duty.
2. Lifeguards on Duty – Only allow your children to swim in designated areas where there is a lifeguard on duty.
3. Adult Supervision – Adults should constantly and actively watch children in and around water even when lifeguards are present. Be sure your children are within arm’s reach of you at all time.
4. Wear a Life Jacket – Inexperienced and non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when in and around water.
5. No Breath Holding – Children shouldn’t hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can cause drowning and has several other severe physical side-effects.
6. Learn to Swim – When YMCA facilities reopen again, enroll your children in water safety or swim lessons. Just like teaching your children to look both ways before they cross the street, having them participate in formal water safety lessons teaches them an important life skill. For more information contact our Y’s Senior Aquatics Director, Andrea Falcone at 732.836.9177 or e-mail afalcone@ymcanj.org.
The Water Watcher Pledge
Take the pledge right now by reading and agreeing to follow the pledge below.
As a Water Watcher, you’re making a commitment to be an active and engaged observer when children are around any body of water, including lakes, creeks, pools or even a backyard hot tub.
I agree to:
> Actively watch children when they are in or near any body of water.
> In an emergency, pull all children out of the water and call 911.
> Keep my eyes on the water.
> Avoid distractions.
> Help The Y spread the word.
