Drowning Prevention

Teaching children how to be safe around water is not a luxury; it's a necessity. The YMCA’s Safety Around Water program can help you make sure they learn essential water safety skills, which can open up a world of possibilities for them to satisfy their curiosity safely.

Safety Around Water

Safety Around Water is not a traditional swim lesson. This eight-day course, taught by a certified instructor, teaches children how to reduce the risk of drowning and gives them confidence in and around water. A typical session includes:

  • Exercises to help children adjust to being in water
  • Instruction in “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” and “Swim, Float, Swim,” two skill sets children can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water
  • An activity that teaches children about specific safety topics such as pool rules and boating safety
  • A fun game to encourage comfort and activity around water
  • A handout for parents and caregivers with additional water safety tips.

Help Keep Your Children Safe

Drowning can happen nearly anywhere with standing water. But parents and caregivers can't keep their children sidelined. It's important to equip them with the tools they need to be confident in and around water so they don't lose out on the health benefits of exercise, the opportunities to bond with family and friends, and the sense of accomplishment when they learn new skills.

 

Learn More and Volunteer

We offer Safety Around Water through elementary schools and Boys and Girls Clubs. For more information, please call 828-251-5910.

Experienced instructors are needed to keep kids safe in the water. Click here to volunteer.

Swim Lessons

To discover which lesson is best for your child or to sign up, choose one of these options:

Swim Lesson Selector  Swim Lesson Curriculum

Register