Hillsborough, East Pasco YMCAs Offer Free Swim Lessons To 1,400 Kids

TAMPA, FL — May is National Water Safety Month and this year, through a donation from Pool Corp., Tampa Bay area children can once again receive free water safety and swim lessons at their local Y from May 16 to May 25.

The Y’s Safety Around Water program will be offered to 1,400 children at 11 Tampa Metropolitan Area YMCA locations in Hillsborough and East Pasco counties. The program is free and open to all 3- to 12-year-old beginners and non-swimmers in the community.

Last year, through the Tampa Y, 13,960 children learned to swim and be safe around water, which is critical considering more children under the age of 4 drown in Florida than anywhere else in the nation.

Since data shows formal swim lessons cut the risk of drowning by 88 percent, these lessons will ensure that families have the skills they need to keep young swimmers safe.

During the two-day course, certified instructors teach kids a sequenced set of skills that will reduce the risk of drowning and give them confidence in and around water.

Each 40-minute class includes exercises to help kids adjust to being in the water. Kids learn “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” and “Swim, Float, Swim,” two skills they can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water or in an area where they cannot touch the bottom.

Specific safety topics are covered including what to do if you see someone in the water who needs help.

Participants must be present on the first day of class and bring their own swimsuit and towel. A YMCA membership is not required; however, due to limited space, preregistration is required at participating Ys. Sign up online, in-person or by phone.

Among the participating YMCAs are the South Tampa YMCA, the Northwest Hillsborough Family YMCA, the New Tampa Family YMCA, the Bob Gilbertson Central City Family YMCA, the East Pasco Family YMCA and the Bob Sierra Youth and Family Center.