YMCA of Northwest North Carolina’s swim programs offer a mix of fun, physical activity and safety to create a lifelong love of swimming
[Winston-Salem, N.C. – May 01, 2023] – During National Water Safety Month in May, the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina (NWNC) encourages children and parents to explore the many benefits of swimming, while also keeping safety top of mind. In Y swim programs, participants can enhance or learn new techniques, meet friends, develop confidence, and learn safety skills that can save lives.
“Swimming is not only a fun, healthy activity, but an important life skill for all individuals,” said Chris Chunn, YMCA of NWNC’s Executive Director of Education and Swim. “Drowning is the leading cause of accidental death for children ages 1-4, and the second-leading cause of accidental death for kids under 15. On average, the lives of three children per day end as a result of drowning, with many more ending up in the hospital due to near-drownings. Learning basic water safety skills saves lives, and is a great introduction to the world of swimming.”
As part of National Water Safety Month, the YMCA of NWNC encourages parents to take an active role in fostering a relationship between their children and swimming—beginning with water safety. Remember these 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 their children in and around water.
• Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket.
• Parents or guardians of young children should be within an arm’s reach.
• Children and adults should not engage in breath-holding activities.
In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. Swimming motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem.
As a prominent nonprofit committed to youth development, the Y has long been a leader in providing swim and water safety lessons. Safety Around Water Drowning Prevention teaches children life-saving skills that reduce the risk of drowning, giving children confidence in and around water. Additionally, swim lessons are available for children and adults and adaptive swim programs are offered for kids with special needs.
The Y is committed to water safety for all. This Water Safety Month, save lives by enrolling a child in swim lessons or giving to the Y. To learn more about the YMCA of NWNC’s swim programs, please visit ymcanwnc.org/swimming.
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About the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina
The YMCA is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Northwest North Carolina engages more than 115,000 men, women and children annually – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the community’s health and well-being and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in communities across seven counties, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver lasting personal and social change.