Local YMCA helps offers free swim lessons for better safety around water.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of death for children ages one to 14, and with so many bodies of water throughout the Wilmington area, it is critical that both children and adults have the basic knowledge of water safety to reduce the risk of drowning or injury.
That’s why the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina is once again offering free instruction through its Swim for Life program. It’s part of your YMCA’s commitment to reduce drowning rates and keep kids safe in and around the water.
“Educating children about how to be safe around water is just as important as teaching them to look both ways before they cross the street,” says Tom Addington, YMCA Aquatics Director. “The Y teaches children of all ages and backgrounds that water should be fun, not feared, and this practice not only saves lives, it builds confidence.”
In addition, the Swim for Life program is dedicated to increasing availability of water safety and swim lessons in under-served communities.
What You Will Learn at Swim for Life
Each class is divided into two parts, with the first part focused on swimming instruction followed by the second section dedicated to water safety. Participants receive specific instruction from a certified instructor tailored to their swim level.
Participants also learn how to assist a struggling swimmer without jeopardizing their own safety, and how to help others in the water and show them basic swim skills.
Swim for Life is a free water safety and swim instruction program available to children and adults aged 5 and older.
In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation, and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem. It teaches the 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—skills that last a lifetime.
Planning for the Summer
Swim for Life will be held at Northside Pool from Monday, June 25th to Thursday, June 28th. Participants can choose between two different time slots, 9:00 a.m to 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact Swim Lesson Coordinator, Kate Norwood at (910) 251-9622 x235 or email kate.norwood@ymcasenc.org.
About the YMCA Partnership with the City of Wilmington
2018 will be the third year the Y has partnered with the City of Wilmington in operating the city’s three outdoor pools- Northside, Legion Stadium and Robert Strange pools. Along with the traditional opportunity for public swim, the Y also provides swim lessons, water aerobics, and a number of other aquatics programs to the community. Pools open Memorial Day Weekend. Visit ymcasenc.org for more information.
About the YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA of Southeastern North Carolina, comprised of 3 membership facilities and 1 residential camp, serves more than 8,000 men, women and children to help nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Deeply rooted in the community for 130 years, the YMCA of Southeastern NC has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver lasting personal and social change.
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