Safety Around Water
Drowning can happen nearly anywhere with standing water. By equipping kids and adults with the tools they need to be safe and confident in and around water, they’ll reap the health benefits of exercise, bond with family and friends and take pride in their new skills safely. The Safety Around Water program is designed to provide access to pools and basic swimming skills and water safety for children who do not have access to swim lessons.
Water Safety Tips
For Parents:
- Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water.
- Designate at least one adult to closely supervise and maintain constant visual contact with all children playing in or near water.
- Closely supervise your children whenever they are in or near water – don’t rely only on the lifeguard. And be sure to avoid looking at your phone, reading a book, or other tasks.
- Teach children what areas to avoid, such as drains or the deep end where they will be required to swim or at least tread water.
- Don’t rely on water toys to protect weak swimmers. Coast guard-approved life jackets are the only devices certified to protect children.
For Kids:
- Never swim alone without permission and a parent or adult supervising.
- Don’t participate in breath-holding activities or contests. Kids can lose consciousness underwater where no one can easily see if they are struggling or having difficulty.
- Wear a life jacket and don’t rely on water toys and floatation devices.
- Don’t jump in water to save a friend who is struggling – instead remain out of the water and reach, throw an object (small raft, kick board, or floatation device) to help them.
- Avoid problem areas of the pool, including the deep end or drains – where young swimmers can get stuck and potentially be held underwater.
- Look before you leap – find out how deep the water is before jumping in. The lifeguard or an adult can help.
Face Water With Confidence
The YMCA of Greater Louisville is committed to water safety for all. We are expanding our Safety Around Water Program so that we can educate more young people on to respect water and navigate dangerous situations.
Safety Around Water Curriculum
The Safety Around Water program is designed to provide access to pools and basic swimming skills and water safety for children who do not have access to swim lessons. The curriculum is designed to teach children the basic skills necessary to swim 10 feet back to safety. The following skills are assessed:
- Putting face in water
- Submerging head
- Jump in, turn and grab wall without assistance or flotation
- Swim at least 5 feet without flotation
- Back float
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Still Need Help?
Contact us at 502-587-9622 with questions or for more information.