​YMCA of Montclair Promotes Water Safety Ahead of Summer Fun

Montclair, NJ — With summer just weeks away, the YMCA of Montclair is encouraging families to make water safety a priority before heading to pools, lakes, or the shore. May marks National Water Safety Month, and as the weather warms up, the risk of water-related accidents increases—especially for children.

To help prevent drownings and promote safe water practices, the YMCA of Montclair will host its annual Safety Around Water Week from May 19 to May 23, offering swim instruction for children and teens at a significantly reduced cost.

“Each year, we teach over 4,600 youth how to be safer in and around water,” said Tammy Como, Executive Director of Aquatics and Risk Management. “As families return to swimming activities, we want to emphasize how essential water safety is to enjoying the summer safely.”

The weeklong program is open to nonmembers ages 6-18, who do not have swimming skills. Lessons are designed to instill confidence while teaching core safety techniques such as how to float, tread water, and exit a pool safely. Registration is open now at montclairymca.org/safety-around-water, and the full week of classes costs just $5 per participant.

In support of National Water Safety Month, the Y is also sharing key water safety reminders for parents and caregivers:

• Never swim alone: Ensure children swim only under active supervision and preferably where a lifeguard is present.
• Stay within arm’s reach: Keep young children close at all times during water activities—even during bath time.
• Avoid breath-holding games: Prolonged breath-holding can lead to serious injury or death.
• Use life jackets: Non-swimmers and inexperienced swimmers should wear Coast Guard-approved life vests.
• Reach, throw, don’t go: Instead of jumping in to rescue someone, use a long object to help pull them to safety.

The Safety Around Water initiative is made possible thanks to the support of community partners including the ###a href="https://k20001.site.kiwanis.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kiwanis Club of Montclair and the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance. For more information or to register, visit montclairymca.org/safety-around-water.

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ABOUT THE YMCA OF MONTCLAIR
Established in 1891, the YMCA of Montclair welcomes all. We are a nonprofit that strengthens individuals, families, and community by developing spirit, mind, and body. Working locally, we focus on empowering young people, improving health and well-being, and inspiring action in and across communities. Serving Bloomfield, Bloomingdale, Clifton, Cedar Grove, Glen Ridge, Haskell, Hewitt, Montclair, Verona, Wanaque, and West Milford. For more information, please visit montclairymca.org.