Families Can Have a Swimmingly Safe Time at the Pool this Summer

As swim season approaches, the YMCA of the East Valley is providing tips for children and parents to explore the benefits of swimming, while also keeping safety top of mind. In the Y’s 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. “Water safety and swimming are important life skills in the growth and development of all children,” said Rachael Thall, Aquatics Director YMCA of the East Valley. The Y encourages parents to take an active role in their child’s safety. Following are safety tips to practice when in and around the water: * Only swim when and where there is a lifeguard on duty; never swim alone. * Adults should constantly and actively watch their children. * Inexperienced or non-swimmers should wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. * Parents or guardians of young children should be within an arm’s reach. * Children and adults should not engage in breath holding activities. “All children deserve access to water safety resources that not only could save their lives, but enrich them with an outlet for fun, healthy activity.” Said Sarah Franklin, Aquatics Director at the Y. 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 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.