North Penn YMCA - World’s Largest Swim Lesson and Water Safety Education Program

YMCA REMINDS KIDS AND ADULTS TO PRACTICE

WATER SAFETY

World’s largest swim lesson and water safety education program planned for June 14^th at several area pools.

The North Penn YMCA with branches in Lansdale, Harleysville and Franconia Township reminds kids and adults about the importance of practicing safety when in and around the water.  The Y offers a variety of swim programs where swimmers can have fun while developing confidence, engaging in physical activity and learning safety skills that can save lives. 

“The North Penn YMCA is committed to providing as many opportunities as possible for everyone to learn basic swimming lessons and water safety practices,” said Michele O’Donnell, Senior Aquatics Director.  “We encourage kids and adults to have fun when in and around the water, but to always make safety their first priority.”

To bring attention to the issue of water and pool safety, on June 14, members of the community are invited to participate in the world’s largest swim lesson from 11 to 11:30am at the Y’s Lansdale and Indian Valley branches and at the Souderton and Towamencin community pools.  In addition, local emergency services personnel will be on hand to provide parent education materials beginning at 10am.

The North Penn YMCA recommends kids 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.
• 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.

Learn additional water safety tips and view a "pool safely" video by visiting the National Drowning Prevention Association's website. 

As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety in the community for nearly 50 years.  The North Penn YMCA 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 parent/child classes, progressive lessons, family swim, and a competitive swim team. 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 North Penn YMCA’s swim programs offered indoors at the Indian Valley Branch, Lansdale Branch and LaCrest Health Center, and outdoors at the Souderton and Towamencin Community Pools, please contact Michele O’Donnell at 215-723-3569 or at micheleo@northpennymca.org.

The North Penn YMCA is a non-profit, charitable organization that offers a wide variety of programs and services for children, teens, seniors, families and those with special needs in the North Penn, Indian Valley and Perkiomen Valley communities.  Established in 1955, the North Penn Y serves over 18,000 community members and their families through its four branches and numerous outreach locations, regardless of ability to pay.  Locally, the Y provides over $1,000,000 in charitable services to approximately 9,000 individuals each year.  Visit the Y online at www.northpennymca.org.