Cranford YMCA to Host Free Water Safety Session for Kids & Families on May 22

As summer approaches and families look forward to spending more time in and around the water, the Cranford YMCA is inviting the community to a free Water Safety Event for Kids & Families on Friday, May 22 from 1:00–1:45 p.m. The hands-on educational event is designed to help parents and children build critical water safety skills ahead of the summer swimming season.

The session will take place at the Cranford YMCA indoor pool located at 401 Centennial Avenue in Cranford. The event is free and open to the community, but registration is required. Families can register and learn more at www.westfieldynj.org/water-safety.

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The Y wants to ensure that water safety doesn’t get lost in the family's eagerness to jump into the summer. As temperatures rise, kids want to cool off, whether that is in home pools, ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, or oceans. And that means the risk of drowning is as prevalent as ever. May is National Water Safety Month, and the Westfield Area and Cranford YMCAs are encouraging parents and caregivers to reinforce the importance of water safety skills with the whole family.

Parents play an active role in promoting water safety and these six tips will ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for all:

• Make sure children know to always ask permission before going in or near the water: Teaching your children to be water smart is the first step in water safety—be sure they understand the importance of asking permission before going in or near the water.

• Never swim alone or without a water watcher: When children are swimming, make sure they are actively supervised at all times. Teach your children that they should only swim in locations where a lifeguard is on duty, or where a responsible adult agrees to watch the children in the water without distractions.

• Supervise your children whenever they're in or near water: Whether it's bath time or taking a dip in a pool or waterfront, make sure your children are in arm's reach at all times.

• Don't engage in breath holding activities: Children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming.

• Wear a life jacket: Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.

• Don't jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water: If a child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try to save them. Even if they are a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer underwater. The Y's Safety Around Water program teaches the "reach, throw, don't go" concept of using a long object to reach for them and pull them to safety.

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Financial assistance is available for YMCA programs and memberships for those who qualify.