The Y Helps Nashua Children Learn to be Safe Around Water

The Y Helps Nashua Children Learn to be Safe Around Water

YMCA of Greater Nashua increases availability of water safety and swim lessons in underserved communities

Nashua, NH – As part of the Y’s commitment to reduce drowning rates and keep kids safe in and around the water, the YMCA of Greater Nashua is providing 8 weeks of swim instruction and water safety to 45 preschool aged children from Nashua’s Title 1 Preschool. Grant funds awarded from YMCA of the USA Strategic Initiatives Fund and FY2017 City of Nashua Citizens Advisory Commission for Community Grants are supporting these free swim lessons and the costs of busing the children to and from the Nashua Y.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of death for children ages one to 14 years old. In ethnically diverse communities, the youth drowning rate is two to three times higher than the national average, according to a USA Swimming study. Additionally, nearly six out of 10 African American and Hispanic/Latino children are unable to swim, nearly twice as many as their Caucasian counterparts.

“Educating children how to be safe around water is just as important as teaching them to look both ways before they cross the street,” said Katie Parker, senior program director at the YMCA of Greater Nashua. “The Y’s teaches children of all ages and backgrounds that water should be fun, not feared, and this practice not only saves lives it builds confidence.”

The Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 100 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: youth and adult swimming lessons, family swim, competitive swimming, lifeguard certification classes, and water exercise classes.

In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. 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—skills that last a lifetime.

To learn how to qualify for financial assistance, please contact Lynnette Curran at the Merrimack Y at 603.881.7778 or Alyshia Branchi at the Nashua Y at 603.882.2011.