YMCA Making a Splash in San Gabriel Valley This Summer

HACIENDA HEIGHTS, Calif. - April 21, 2016 - PRLog -- 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 you cross the street, washing your hands with soap and water 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. For children under the age of 5, more than 60 drowning deaths per year occurred state-wide over the last 5 years. The problem is particularly acute among minority communities. African American children are three times more likely to drown than their white counterparts. The disparity is partly due to the lack of swimming experience among these children.

According to a recent national research study conducted by the USA Swimming Foundation and the University of Memphis, 70 percent of African American and 60 percent of Hispanic children cannot swim, compared to just 40 percent of Caucasian children.

The Y is committed to reducing water-related injuries, particularly in communities where children are most at risk, and providing a safe and affordable environment for families to enjoy the summer months. As part of a new program, the YMCA of San Gabriel Valley (http://www.ymcasgv.org) will provide opportunities to families from low-income and underserved communities to participate in recreational open swim and water safety lessons.

Beginning May 31st, community members will have the opportunity to swim all summer long for less than a dollar per day at Wilson High School in Hacienda Heights.  To ensure a safe and quality experience, life guards will be on duty at all times and Water Safety and Prevention classes will be held every Monday at 11am.  The lessons teach young people valuable skills like what to do if they find themselves in the water unexpectedly, a situation every child should be equipped to handle.

If you 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 by joining in the fun this summer. The program can provide them a new, exciting way to keep active and meet new friends.

Monthly swim passes will be limited.  Early registration is recommended.  To learn more about the Y's Swim and Water Safety Program, please visit http://www.ymcasgv.org/swim.


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ABOUT YMCAOC/YMCARC/YMCASGV: At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y serves Orange County, Riverside County, and San Gabriel Valley through seven (7) Health & Wellness locations (Laguna Niguel, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Murrieta, and Santa Ana).  With an additional 150 after school programs, summer camps, sports & swim programs, Adventure Guides parent/child groups, and programs for youth and adults with special needs, YMCAOC is committed to serving our growing and diverse community needs.

YMCA staff and volunteers celebrate and honor common values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring by infusing character development into the foundation and practice of all our programs. From youth basketball and swim classes to fitness programs and resident camp, Y programs build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The YMCA of Orange County is a nonprofit, charitable organization that serves the entire community. Donations support our scholarship program and Our Promise - To strive to keep programs open for all. Whether you are looking to get fit, give back, or meet new friends, the Y has something for you! JOIN PLAY GIVE VOLUNTEER www.ymcaoc.org  www.ymcarc.org  www.ymcasgv.org