Safety Around Water
71% of the world is water; children are 100% curious.
During National Water Safety Month, the Y is emphasizing the importance of safety around water. We have compiled a list of facts and resources that we hope will help develop potentially lifesaving skills by increasing knowledge, ability and stamina to build smart, strong swimmers and confident kids.
*Learn more at www.ymca.org
6 Reasons Why Every Kid Should Take Swim Lessons
- FOR SAFETY. Kids learn how to be safe in and around the water.
- FOR CONFIDENCE. Kids build confidence when they overcome challenges, from their first kicks across the pool to swimming laps.
- FOR FUN. Kids love the water, and there is nothing more fun than playing games, sports, and making new friends in the pool.
- FOR RESCUE SKILLS. As kids progress through the program levels, they learn how to safely assist others in emergency situations.
- FOR HEALTH. Kids get exercise while developing skills, coordination, and endurance.
- FOR LIFE. Kids develop a lifelong love of swimming, and activity that brings enjoyment and health benefits long after they complete their last swim lesson.
Water Safety Activities
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How to Identify a Lifeguard
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Is This Safe or Not?
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Water Safety Coloring Book
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Water Safety Puzzles
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Additional Water Safety Tips
- TEACH THEM EARLY. Teach children to get comfortable in the water and swim at an early age and educate them early about water safety.
- ACTIVE SUPERVISION, BARRIERS, AND SIGHTLINES. Always actively supervise children when they're both in and around the water; ensure that pools are secured with appropriate barriers; and require children to swim within designated areas that are within sight of guardians and certified lifeguards.
- WHO'S YOUR BUDDY? Never let children swim alone; always designate swimming buddies before visiting the beach or pool.
- DON'T BE PUSHY. Instruct children to never run, push or jump on others in and around the pool.
- WEAR SUNSCREEN. Protect your skin from sunburn and sunstroke by wearing hats and sunglasses and applying sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Limit direct exposure to sunlight for prolonged periods of time.
- SUIT UP. Make sure children always wear life jackets and use proper water safety and floatation devices.
- I'M ON A BOAT. Children should always wear a PFD (personal floatation device) while on a boat. Be sure to get one that fits properly.
- STAY HYDRATED. Ensure that kids drink plenty of fluids, to stay properly hydrated, especially on hot days.
- GET CERTIFIED. Become certified in infant and child First Aid and CPR.
Drowning: The Scary Truth
- 3 kids die every day from drowning*
- Drowning is the second-leading cause of deaths for kids ages 5 - 14*
- African American children ages 5 to 14 are 3 times more likely to drown than their white peers*
- 70 percent of African American and 60 percent of Hispanic children cannot swim, compared to just 40 percent of Caucasian children*
- 88 percent of kids who drown do so under adult supervision*
- 60 percent of kids who drown are within 10 feet of safety*
- Participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning by 88 percent among children one to four years old*
- More than 1 million kids take swim lessons at the Y each year
For more information, please contact
Ronny Rose, Aquatics Director
YMCA of Downtown Manchester
rrose@graniteymca.org
Tim Curran, Aquatics Director
YMCA Allard Center of Goffstown
tcurran@graniteymca.org
Erin O'Brien, Aquatics Coordinator
YMCA of Concord
eobrien@graniteymca.org
Kate Deidloff, Membership Director
YMCA of the Seacoast
kdeidloff@graniteymca.org
