The Community YMCA Offers Lifesaving Tips and Water Safety Programs to Prevent Accidents this Summer

• Summertime means pool and beach time for many local children and adults as they venture to their favorite spots to swim, play and create lasting memories. Unfortunately, in just a matter of seconds, a fun day in the water can turn into a tragedy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning remains the second leading cause of accidental death among children under the age of 14.
• With the unofficial start to summer at the Jersey Shore on Memorial Day weekend, The Community YMCA reminds all swimmers about the importance of practicing water safety. The Y encourages children and adults to 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.
• Adults should constantly and actively watch their children.
• Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. 
• Parents or guardians of young children should be within an arm’s reach.
• Children and adults should not engage in breath holding activities.

As a nonprofit organization committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y is a leading provider of swim and water safety programs that continue to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming.

Rhonda Anderson, President & CEO of The Community YMCA, said the Y is committed to helping people of all ages be healthy, confident, and secure in the water.

“The Y is dedicated to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to learn basic swimming lessons and water safety practices that can save lives every day,” Anderson said. “We encourage kids and adults to have fun, but to always make safety the number one priority in and around the water.”

As part of its commitment to water safety, the Y provides a weeklong Learn to Swim program, June 23-29, that includes 4-5 swim lessons for a nominal fee for kids and adults. Participants do not need to be Y members, but must register in advance for the community outreach program offered at the Family Health & Wellness Center in Red Bank.

Additionally, the Y is providing free swim lessons to all third-grade children enrolled at Red Bank Primary and Charter schools the week of June 2 to help prepare them for a safe summer. Since the program began in 2011, the Y has provided free swim lessons to over 300 third-graders.

The Y is pleased to expand its water safety initiative to Asbury Park students enrolled in the Y’s Girls Circle and Boys Council programs. Thirty children have the opportunity to receive four free swim lessons at the Y’s newly enclosed pool at Camp Zehnder in Wall Township. Lessons are taking place from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m every Wednesday through May 21 and transportation is being provided for the students through The Asbury Park Recreation Department.

“Through our school-age water safety programs, we are helping to ensure that children who otherwise might not be able to afford swim lessons, have the opportunity to become more comfortable, confident and safe in and near water,” said Jo Ann Rountree, Senior Director of Community Outreach. “Swimming helps build self-confidence and is an important life skill.”

Anderson stressed that at the Y, everyone has an opportunity to participate in swim lessons and aquatics programs, regardless of ability to pay the full price. “We offer financial assistance to those in need to help cover the costs,” Anderson said.

To register for the Learn to Swim Week program or to learn more about Y swim lessons, lifeguard certification classes and aquatics programs, call 732.241.2504 or visit www.TheCommunityYMCA.org.

About The Community YMCA
The Y is a leading nonprofit charity that strengthens communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Community YMCA serves more than 20,000 residents in greater Monmouth County through programs such as: preschool, before and after school care, health and wellness, leadership, arts enrichment, personal and family counseling and summer day camp. With a mission to serve all, more than $660,000  in reduced and free membership fees and programs is provided by the YCares financial assistance program to individuals and families in need. For more information, visit TheCommunityYMCA.org.