YMCA swim lessons promote water safety

Youngsters learn to swim at the YMCA.

Red Bank - - As part of a community outreach, a series of water safety lessons were held for children ages 3-17 at The Community YMCA's Family Health and Fitness Center in Red Bank June 18-23.

Offered at reduced fees to the community, the swim lessons emphasized the importance of safety in and around the water and were taught by certified YMCA instructors.

In all, 230 children participated in the program with approximately 200 of those new to the Y.

"Our beginning water safety courses are an affordable way for kids and families in our area to get ready for summer and build their child's confidence in the pool. We are thrilled with the turnout of the program and the number of children that were able to participate this year," said Brian Kilpatrick, senior aquatics director at The Community YMCA.

Swimming lessons are an important part of water safety for children. According to the YMCA of the USA, drowning takes the lives of more than 4,000 people a year nationwide, with nearly 1,000 of them children.

To combat these statistics, the Y takes a proactive approach in preparing kids for summer and being around the water.

To keep all children safe this summer, the following are a few YMCA "safety first" swim tips for parents and guardians:

1. Children should always have adult supervision while swimming.

2. No one, not even adults, should swim alone.

3. Be prepared by learning lifesaving first aid and CPR techniques.

4. Always have a stocked first-aid kit, cordless phone, emergency numbers and sunscreen close at hand.

5. Backyard pools should have posted rules, life rings and security fences with self-closing gates and child-proof locks.

6. If you have an above-ground pool, secure and lock the steps or remove them completely when not in use.

7. Follow the posted rules in any water environment.

8. Before diving, know the depth, incline and any underwater obstructions.

9. Never dive in an above-ground pool.

10. Children should use inflatable toys only under strict adult supervision.

11. Avoid inflatable armbands or "swimmies." They can be dangerous, while giving a false sense of confidence.

12. Everyone should learn swimming and basic water safety skills.

Learn to Swim Week at The Community YMCA is held annually in June and is designed as a community outreach program for nonswimmers who aren't members of the Y. In 2006, The Community YMCA taught 3,500 kids to swim and provided over 200 weekly swim classes.

For more information on aquatics programs at the Y, call (732) 741-2504, ext. 11.