Time to “Waterproof” Erie Kids through YMCA of Greater Erie Swim Programs

As the season turns from spring to summer, the YMCA of Greater Erie encourages children and parents in Erie to explore the many benefits of swimming, while also keeping safety top of mind. In Y swim programs, participants can enjoy water sports, enhance or learn new techniques, meet new friends and develop confidence, while also learning safety skills that can save lives.

It’s never too early to get children involved in swimming—it’s an important for safety reasons, but also a great way to keep active and healthy. There are so many options for parents, but the best place to start is by learning basic water safety skills that helps get kids familiar with the water that often continues with swim lessons and competitive swim programs and can even lead to a career.

At part of National Water Safety Month in May, the YMCA of Greater Erie encourages parents to take an active role in fostering a relationship between their children and swimming—beginning with water safety. Following are safety tips to practice when in and around the water:

  • If you have a backyard pool, it’s a good idea to have a latching gate around the pool to keep kids out of the water until an adult is with them for swim time. It’s also a good idea to remove your ladder if the pool is not being used.
  • Designate an adult water watcher at all times and have a conversation with your child about water safety. Set a rule for your swimmer that they must have an adult water watcher and an adult’s permission before entering the water.
  • It’s important to discuss what to do in case of an emergency. Where is the closest phone to call 911? Is anyone in the family certified in CPR? Do you have equipment, such as a ring bouy, a reaching pole or pool noodle to assist struggling swimmers?
  • Have coast guard approved floatation devices such as life jackets and puddle jumpers. Inflatable toys are typically not coast guard approved floatation devices.
  • Everyone, even strong swimmers, must wear a lifejacket when participating in watersports, boating or other watercraft activities.

In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, swimming is a great way to increase physical activity. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem. It also teaches life lessons of sport and sportsmanship, so that children can learn how to work well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and losing.

As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, the Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 163 years. The YMCA of Greater Erie continues to help youth and adults experience the joy and benefits of swimming, so they can be healthy, confident and secure in the water.

There are a variety of programs to choose, including those at the Y or local township recreation programs.

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