Nearly 200 Get ‘Water Ready’ at YMCA’s Free Safety Around Water Program

By: Mollie Shauger | Friday, July 7, 2023 | Aquatics

Instructors and swimmers gather at the Sussex County YMCA pool for Safety Around Water Week.

LIVINGSTON, NJ - The Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges is making sure kids enjoy the pool, lake, or ocean this summer, and all year-round. During the Y’s annual Safety Around Water program in June, 194 swimmers learned important water safety skills that help reduce their risk of accidental drowning, a leading cause of death among young children. 

Safety Around Water Week is a free five-day program that teaches children of all ages and backgrounds basic swimming skills, with the intent of reducing the risk of drowning and boosting confidence in and around water. The program is geared toward youth with little to no experience in water and those who haven’t taken formal swim lessons before. During 30 minute sessions guided by certified swim instructors, participants learn basic swim skills such as entering and exiting the water, and sequences such as the “Swim Float Swim” so they can stay afloat until help arrives, and “Jump, push, turn, grab,” so they can get to the side of the pool or to safety if they become unexpectedly submerged in water. Participants also learn what to do if someone else in the water needs help and parents and caregivers come away with additional water safety knowledge.

The program was held at the Wayne YMCA June 19-23 and at the East Orange, Sussex County, and West Essex YMCAs June 26-30. Participants included babies and toddlers, school age children, teens, and adults.

The program is funded by USA Swimming Foundation grants and donations from the community raised during the Y’s Annual Support Campaign.

Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 to 4, and second leading cause of unintentional death for ages 5-14. Additionally, African American youth ages 5-14 are three times more likely to drown than their white counterparts. The Y is working to change these statistics, teaching more than a million children across the U.S. invaluable swimming skills each year. Free programs like Safety Around Water expand access to water safety and swim lessons to people of all backgrounds and means. 

Visit metroymcas.org to learn more about the Y’s Safety Around Water program and swim lessons offered at your local branch.

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ABOUT THE Y

Established in 1885, the Metropolitan YMCA of the Oranges invests in its diverse communities to promote wellness, safety and quality of life for children, adults and seniors. Its seven branches in East Orange, Livingston, Maplewood, New Milford, Hardyston, Stillwater and Wayne are committed to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility through an array of programs. Some 35,000 people belong to the Metro Y, which awards more than $2 million annually in direct and indirect financial assistance.