Safety Around Water Program

Drowning Prevention

Teaching children how to be safe around water is not a luxury; it is a necessity. As "America's swim instructor," the YMCA teaches children of all ages and from all backgrounds that water should be fun, not feared, if you know how to stay safe in and around water. The YMCA’s Safety Around Water program can help you make sure your child learns essential water safety skills, which can open up a world of possibilities for them to satisfy their curiosity safely.  The Earth's surface is made up of 71% water.  The North Country specifically has lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and pools all around us.  Kids are 100% curious - while water can be an irresistable place for kids to explore, play and splash around, it can be risky for those who have not developed their "water smarts".  Are you/they prepared?

What Is Safety Around Water (SAW)?

SAW is composed of six 30-minute sessions to reduce the risk of drowning by giving children confidence in and around water. The program is geared for unintended entries into the water and safety. Our goal is that if a child falls in, they can swim, float swim, tread, and exit the water. The levels build on skill sequences to enable a child to help save themselves or tread/float long enough for help to arrive.

A typical Safety Around Water 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

What Is Safety Around Water (SAW)?

SAW is composed of eight 30-minute sessions to reduce the risk of drowning by giving children confidence in and around water. The program is geared for unintended entries into the water and safety. Our goal is that if a child falls in, they can swim, float swim, tread, and exit the water. The levels build on skill sequences to enable a child to help save themselves or tread/float long enough for help to arrive.

A typical Safety Around Water 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

Registration is OPEN 

Class Dates:  June 19, 21, 23 (2023)

Times:  30 minute session between 3:00-6:00 pm

Cost:  FREE FOR ALL!

SPACE IS LIMITED

Who Can Register? - Any child 4-14 years of age with limited swimming experience and is not currently registered for swim lessons.

Register Now