Safety Around Water Program

Drowning can happen nearly anywhere with standing water. But, as a parent or caregiver, you can’t keep your children sidelined. You need to equip them with the tools they need to be confident in and around water so they don’t lose out on the health benefits of exercise, the opportunities to bond with family and friends, and the sense of accomplishment when they learn new skills.

The Skagit Y offers Safety Around Water (SAW) course for free, thanks to a grant from the YMCA of the USA Strategic Initiative Fund.  During a SAW 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