Safety Around Water

 

Every day, two children die as a result of drowning. In fact, drowning is the second leading cause of death for children between the ages of 5 and 14. In 88% of drownings, an adult was present but that was not enough.

Here at the Y, we believe all children should know how to swim and be safe in and around water. For this reason, we offer our Safety Around Water Program to all Pierre and Ft. Pierre 1st grade students at no cost thanks to the support of Sanford Health Clinic and the Capital Area United Way.  Lessons are scheduled as part of the school day through each 1st grade teacher during the school year.

 

What Is Safety Around Water?

Through learning how to perform a sequenced set of skills over four lessons of 60 minutes each, the risk of drowning is reduced, giving your child confidence in and around water.

A typical session includes:

• Exercises to help kids adjust to being in water
• Instruction in “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” and “Swim, Float, Swim,” two skill sets kids can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water
• Specific safety topics, like what to do if you see someone in the water who needs help
• Fun activities that reinforce skills

Help Keep Your Children Safe

Drowning can happen nearly anywhere with standing water. But, as a parent or caregiver, you can’t keep your children sidelined. You need to equip them with the tools they need to be confident in and around water so they don’t lose out on the health benefits of exercise, the opportunities to bond with family and friends and the sense of accomplishment when they learn new skills.

How the Y Helps Keep Kids Safe in and Around Water

Two Programs, Three Goals: Have Fun, Be Confident, Stay Safe. Download this info-graphic here.