SAFETY AROUND WATER PROGRAM FOR KIDS
In our country, two children die every day as a result of drowning. Through its Safety around Water Program, the YMCA works to prevent drowning. This class will be offered at the Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA on these Fridays: May 18, 25: June 1, 8, and 15. The program is designed for kids aged four years to eighth grade. (They must be four by May 18.) This is for beginners and nonswimmers only. Registration is underway now, and space is limited. Safety around Water is for all children, but it especially targets minority and underserved populations who are at higher risk for drowning. The program builds upon individual skills to create two core skill sequences to help children be safe in and around the water. They will safely jump, push, turn, grab, float, and swim. The price is $10.00 for five fifty minute classes. Funding is provided through a USA Swimming Foundation Make a Splash grant. The class times are: 4:30 to 5:20 pm – grade 3 to 8; 5:20 to 6:10 pm – ages 4 to 5 years through second grade and 6:10 to 7:00 pm – ages 4 to 5 years through second grade.
Jennifer Helm, the YMCA’s senior Aquatics and Rental director, said, “May is National Water Safety Month. Research has shown that participation in formal swimming instruction can prevent drowning. The Y is the nation’s leading provider of community-based swim lessons, and we hope that many local families will take advantage of this opportunity to learn water safety. “We received funding this year from USA Swimming Foundation – Make a Splash grant that will help subsidize the cost of the program,” she added. “We hope that we can attract swimmers to this inexpensive but important program so more youth in the area can be safer in and around the water.”
For additional details, please call Helm at (856)691-0030, extension 109 or emailhelm@ccaymca.orgor visit the YMCA at 1159 East Landis Avenue, in Vineland.