May is National Water Safety Month. When the weather starts to heat up, the pools, lakes, oceans, rivers and other bodies of water start calling! While swimming can be a very enjoyable activity this summer, it is important to remind all parents and caregivers of the importance of water safety. The Keene Family YMCA is sharing these six tips on how children can stay safe in and around the water.
Tip # 1: 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.
Tip # 2: Never swim alone 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.
Tip # 3: 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 within reach at all times.
Tip # 4: Don’t engage in breath holding activities.
Both adults and children should not hold their breath for a prolonged amount of time while swimming, as this can be dangerous.
Tip # 5: Wear a life jacket.
Inexperienced or non-swimmers should always wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while in or around the water.
Tip # 6: Don’t jump in the water to save a friend who is struggling in deep water.
If an adult or child finds their friend in deep water unexpectedly, their natural reaction may be to jump in the water to try and save them. Even if they are a great swimmer, a panicked person will overpower them, pulling the rescuer under water. 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. By using this technique, an adult or child can help their friend without compromising their own safety.
Safety Around Water at the Y
The Y wants to ensure all families are ready for a fun and safe summer. To do that, we’re helping families become “Water-Ready” by developing water safety skills that help reduce the risk of drowning and build confidence and competence in and around water.
Did you Know?
- 9 in 10 parents see swimming as an essential life skill, yet 24% have low confidence in their kids’ ability to stay safe around water.
- Parents and caregivers have a critical role to play in teaching their kids water safety skills – but they don’t have to do it alone! With more than 110 years’ experience equipping people with the skills they need to stay safe in and around water, the Y is America’s most trusted swim instructor. Each year, the Y teaches more than one million kids life-saving swimming and safety around water skills.
What is the Y’s Safety Around Water Program?
Safety Around Water consists of eight lessons designed to teach kids water safety skills. A typical session includes:
- Exercises to help kids adjust to being in the water
- Instruction in two skills sets kids can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water: Jump, Push, Turn, Grab and Swim, Float, Swim
- Safety topics like what to do if you see someone in the water who needs help
- Fun activities that reinforce skills
Learn more about the Y’s Safety Around Water Program, and all of their swimming programs, by clicking here.