Come Swim With Us!

YMCA Swim Programs Offer a Mix of Fun, Physical Activity and Safety

(July 2, 2013)

With swim season upon us, the YMCA of Greater Nashua encourages children and parents in the Greater Nashua community to explore the many benefits of swimming, while also keeping safety top of mind. In the Y’s swim programs, participants can enjoy water sports, enhance or learn new techniques, meet new friends and develop confidence, while also learning safety skills that can save lives.   

“Swimming is a fun and enjoyable activity for children and adults alike, and it’s an easy way to stay physically active and improve strength, flexibility and stamina,” said Katie Parker, Senior Program Director for the local organization. “The Y is committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to swim and learn water safety practices.” 

The YMCA of Greater Nashua recommends children and adults practice the following safety tips when in and around the water:  

• Only swim when and where there is a lifeguard on duty; never swim alone.
• Even with a lifeguard on duty, adults should constantly and actively watch children in and near the water. If multiple adults are in the vicinity, designate a “water watcher” so everyone knows who is on duty.
• Inexperienced swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket when in, on or around the water.
• Parents or guardians of children who are non-swimmers or beginning level swimmers should be in the water and within arm’s reach of their child.
• Children and adults should not engage in breath holding activities in the water.
• Do not assume shallow water is safe water.  A drowning can occur in any water depth.

 In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. Only 19 percent of U.S. children get 60 minutes of physical activity a day, according to the latest findings of the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot – a survey that gauges children’s activity levels during the school year. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation, and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem. It also teaches life lessons of sport and sportsmanship, so that children can learn how to work well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and losing.

As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, the Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 125 years.  The YMCA of Greater Nashua continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water. There are a variety of programs to choose, including swim lessons for all ages and all swimming abilities.  We believe that everyone should have access to swim lessons, regardless of the cost.  To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to participate, financial assistance is available to those in need to help cover the costs.

To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Nashua’s swim programs, please contact Katie Parker at kparker@nmymca.org.

About the YMCA of Greater Nashua:

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Greater Nashua facilities engage over 25,000 men, women and children annually – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. For more information about the Y visit www.nmymca.org.