Keeping Our Children Safe Around Water

ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. - June 2, 2015 - PRLog -- Drowning is the second-leading cause of accidental death in children ages 1-14. The YMCA strives to keep children safe by offering swimming lessons for all ages.

As the most accessible community resource to prevent drowning, the Y teaches more than a million children invaluable water safety and swimming skills each year. Competitive swim team programs are also available for youth. Research shows that participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children one to four years of age.

The Y's new water safety and drowning prevention program, Safety Around Water,

will help children and families learn the vital skills needed to be safe in, near and

around the water. The program is designed to engage community partners

and parents to bring lifesaving skills to those at high risk of drowning.

As the nation’s oldest and largest community-based organization and among the country’s most trusted providers of aquatics programs, YMCAs offer the following helpful tips to help parents keep their children safe and injury-free in the water this summer:

•          Actively supervise your children when they are both in and around the water.

•      Teach children to swim at an early age and educate them early about water safety.

•          Make sure children swim within designated areas and stay within your sight.

•          Instruct children to never run, push or jump on others around water.

•          Become certified in infant and child CPR.

•          Make sure children always use proper water safety devices.

•          Ensure that kids drink plenty of fluids to stay properly hydrated.

•          Wear hats and sunglasses and apply sunscreen of SPF 15.

•          Keep your child’s ear dry to prevent ear infections.

In YMCA aquatics programs, children learn to be safe around water and they feel the sense of accomplishment that comes with learning something new. Youth progressive swimming lessons use a problem-solving, guided-discovery teaching approach in a positive, caring environment.

Other YMCA aquatics programs include parent-child classes, preschool classes, classes for people with disabilities and classes for teens and adults. Adult programs include water exercise, water sports such as water polo, and master competitive swimming for people 18 and over. In addition, the Y offers Lifeguard training, CPR/First Aid, and Jr. Lifeguarding programs to prepare future life-savers.

For more information and schedules visit www.ymcaoc.org/swim