Safety Around Water is a basic water safety program designed to reach children at risk of drowning, who are not able to exit the water safely on their own, or who haven’t taken swim lessons before. If your youth is already in our Swim Lessons program, Safety Around Water will not meet their needs. The program is intended to teach children, particularly those in underserved communities who are most at risk of drowning, how to be safe around water.

At the Y, we believe everyone should have the chance to learn how to stay safe around water. However, we realize that the cost of swim lessons can be a barrier to families. We are very grateful for the generous support of the Don Gerrior Memorial Fund that helps provide these Safety Around Water classes free of charge.

During a Safety Around Water course, children learn skills that reduce the risk of drowning and give them confidence in and around water. A typical session includes:

• Exercises to help children adjust to being in water
• Instruction in “Jump, Push, Turn, Grab” and “Swim, Float, Swim,” two skill sets children can use if they unexpectedly find themselves in the water
• An activity that teaches children about specific safety topics such as pool rules and boating safety
• A fun game to encourage comfort and activity around water

Additional Resources

• Drowning Prevention: Safe Kids USA
• Understanding US Parents’ Relationship with Water Infographic
• Water Safety Tips for Families
• Water Safety for Lakes, Rivers, and Beaches
• Water Recreation Safety in Washington
• WA Dept. of Health: Pool Safety Resources