Safety Around Water: Frequently Asked Questions
Be Water Ready
- by: Leah LeMaire, YMCA Aquatics Director
9 in 10 parents see swimming as an essential life skill, BUT 24% have low confidence in their kids’ ability to stay safe in the water. The Y’s Safety Around Water program can help kids be confident in and around the water.
What is Safety Around Water?
Safety Around Water (SAW) is a program through the YMCA and is the first step in equipping children with essential water safety skills, featuring eight 30-minute sessions that teach children and adults what to do if they find themselves in water accidentally. Here are some features that help set these sessions apart from traditional swim lessons:
- Exercises to help kids adjust to being in the water
- Instruction to skill sets such as: “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” and “Swim, Float, Swim”
- Safety topics like what to do if you see someone in the water who needs help
- Fun activities that reinforce skills
Who is SAW for?
Safety Around Water is FREE to participants in our partner apartment complexes. It is open to anyone in the community who wants their children (ages 3+) to learn how to be safe in and around water. Adult non-swimmers and beginners are welcome too!
Enroll in a YMCA Safety Around Water Program Today!
Registration will take place on the first day of classes. Please reach out to your property manager for more information on dates and times. If you are an apartment property manager and would like to host SAW classes at your property, please complete our interest form.
Things to Know
Please bring a towel, goggles (if you have any), and/or a change of clothes if you like. The YMCA will provide all safety equipment, pool toys, etc. You can also email any questions at SAW@ymcafw.org.
Your Donation Can Help Save Lives
Interested in supporting our efforts in water safety? Click here to donate.
