The YMCA of Central Massachusetts once again is chosen to be one of ten Y’s to participate in the Safety Around Water “SAW” water safety pilot program. A community based program that is designed to teach school age children how to swim and about water safety. The pilot phase of the program funds for 100 children ages 6-14 to participate in two 4-week sessions. Upon the success of this program and with community support, the program is anticipated to be expanded to all five YMCA of Central Massachusetts’ branches.
The YMCA takes its Youth Development and Community Responsibility mission very seriously. Programs such as SAW also assist in bringing awareness and teaching skills to overcome the tragedy faced each summer with drowning of children in our community. According to safekids.org, drowning is the 2nd leading cause of death for children from 5-14 years old.
The pilot program takes place at the YMCA’s Central Branch with Lakeside, and at the Greendale Family Branch with Great Brook Valley for two 4-week sessions that start on July 12th. The program supports a minimum of 100 participants from these neighborhoods and they meet two times a week for a total of eight classes per session. The program is taught by skilled certified swimming instructors who are experienced working with children. It is designed to offer a variety of water safety basics and swimming instruction that will address water submersion, swimming, floating and wading techniques resulting in reducing the fear of water, learning what to do in water while having fun safely.
WE STILL HAVE WORK TO DO TO KEEP OUR CHILDREN SAFE IN THE WATER
- Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of death for children 5-14*
- 60% of youth drowning incidents happen within 10-feet of safety*
- 3 children die each day as a result of drowning*
- 88% of children who die were within someone’s supervision*
To learn more about water safety, click the links below:
www.ymcaofcm.org/swim-lessons/
For SAW Program info, please contact:
Katie DuPont, Sr. Program Director, 508.852.6694 (ext.) 288, [email protected]